A major incident is currently underway in Dorset as multiple stations battle a large wildfire suspected to have been deliberately started.
The wildfire, which originally broke out on Saturday, August 9, has separated into several sections across 69ha, and is taking hundreds of firefighters to battle the blaze.
Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service strongly believe the major incident in Newton Heath was started deliberately.
Wessex Rescue Service have been assisting the crews, using drones to monitor hot spots and ensuring the fire does not jump any fire breaks.
Marlborough Fire and Rescue Service; Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service; Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service; Gloucestershire Fire and Rescue Service; Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service: and Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service are all assisting.
The National Trust is working to create additional fire breaks as a contingency measure for the warm weather.
The rescue services are considering using airborne water supplies but have been advised that they would “not have the desired impact at this time.”
Several roads have been closed and local residents evacuated. Others in the area have been advised to close windows and stay inside, away from smoke pollution.
The fire crews and local authorities are appealing to the public to come forward with any information on the fire,
Field fires
In a separate incident, four separate field fires which took alight within 48 hours of each other are suspected to have been “deliberately started“.
The fires all happened within the Long Lane and Veal Lane areas of Walton in Somerset, with Street Fire Station and Somerton Fire Station both responding to the incidents.
The fire services indicated that – based on the locations of the fires, the direction of the wind, and the low likelihood of accidental spread – they believed the blazes were intentionally set.
Locals took to social media to express their outrage with the damage caused and the further risk to property and life that the flames pose.
One local resident said: “Each fire has required an emergency response from the fire brigade, taking valuable resources away from other potential life-saving emergencies.”
“Let’s work together to protect our community, our land, and our emergency services.”
The fire department is appealing for anyone with information on the incident to contact the local authorities.
