Wareham Forest fire – Wildfire raging at beauty spot in Dorset declared major incident as firefighters battle for hours
BRAVE firefighters are treating a wildfire which broke out at a Dorset beauty spot as a major incident as they continue to tackle the blaze. The fire broke out in Wareham Forest, Dorset, yesterday afternoon. Crews from the Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service (DWFRS) are tackling the blaze with hosereel jets and beaters […]
BRAVE firefighters are treating a wildfire which broke out at a Dorset beauty spot as a major incident as they continue to tackle the blaze.
The fire broke out in Wareham Forest, Dorset, yesterday afternoon.
Crews from the Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service (DWFRS) are tackling the blaze with hosereel jets and beaters on 183 hectares of heath and woodland.
Smoke from the blaze has been reportedly seen as far as Bournemouth, around 17 miles away.
Power supplies in the area had been affected but this has now been restored and surrounding roads have been closed.
Residents have been warned to stay indoors and keep their windows shut as a precaution, especially anyone showing signs of the coronavirus.
DWFRS said the fire was being fanned by strong winds and smoke was drifting towards Bournemouth, Poole, Ferndown and Wimborne.
More than 150 firefighters using 28 vehicles were tackling the blaze at its height although now this has been reduced to around 100 personnel.
Support was given from Devon & Somerset FRS and Hampshire FRS, both with crews attending the fire and others providing fire cover.
Motorists have been advised to check their route to work on Tuesday morning.
Firefighters do not currently know how the fire started but an investigation will take place.
While the main blaze is now under control, there are numerous hot spots across a vast area and crews expect to be on site for at least most of today.
Fire service spokesman Craig Baker said: “It was a wind-driven fire that was roaring across the health land, so we asked for 25 engines and other support vehicles that can get into the real centre of the fire where we need it to.
most read in uk news
“We had other difficulties to deal with – a major National Grid power line runs right through the area so we’ve had to take necessary precautions as a result.”
The fire comes just days after the fire service issued an alert for the area because of low humidity and dry heathland.
We pay for your stories! Do you have a story for The Sun Online news team? Email us at tips@the-sun.co.uk or call 0207 782 4368. You can WhatsApp us on 07810 791 502. We pay for videos too. Click here to upload yours.