Major Incident Declared as 100 Firefighters Battle Vast Heath Fire in Wimborne

A major incident has been declared in Wimborne, Dorset, as two large heath fires rapidly engulf areas near Holt Heath. The combined blaze covers approximately 1,000 meters by 800 meters, demanding the efforts of nearly 100 firefighters from Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service, supported by crews from Hampshire, Isle of Wight, Devon, and Somerset.

Strong winds are intensifying the fires, fueling their swift expansion across the heathland. As a safety precaution, around 20 homes close to the fire front have been evacuated while local residents are urged to keep all doors and windows shut due to heavy smoke, which can be seen from miles away.

Road closures have been enforced, including Holt Road at the junction with Higher Road and within Holt Heath village near the local pub, to ensure public safety and ease emergency operations. Additional firefighting efforts continue at Newton Heath, near Swanage, where a separate fire has been burning over 21 hectares since last Sunday.

Assistant Chief Fire Officer Darren Langdown emphasized the severity of the situation, stating, “We have declared a major incident due to both the size of the fire at Holt Heath and the cumulative strain on resources from the ongoing incident at Newton Heath. We are extremely grateful for the support from neighbouring fire services and proud of our staff working tirelessly under arduous conditions.”

He also appealed to the public for cooperation: “Please stay clear of all affected areas. The fire at Holt Heath is spreading quickly, and bystanders risk becoming trapped. We also ask photographers not to fly drones near the fire, as we rely on drones from Wessex Rescue to coordinate firefighting efforts.”

While the Newton Heath fire is suspected to be deliberately started, the cause of the Holt Heath blaze remains unknown. Prolonged hot weather has prompted an Amber wildfire alert for the region, with authorities urging everyone: “Do not attempt to tackle fires beyond what can be managed with a bucket of water. Evacuate the area immediately if fires escalate.”