Eco & Environment, Poole | Posted on April 3rd, 2025 | return to news
Fire rages through Upton Heath and Canford Heath
Firefighters from across Dorset tackled a massive blaze overnight in Upton Heath and Canford Heath.
Approximately 80 firefighters from across the Dorset and Wiltshire Fire Service area have been tackling a blaze at Upton Heath and Canford Heath overnight, after receiving the first of multiple 999 calls at 11.44pm on Wednesday 2 April.
Stations attending include those from Wimborne, Ferndown, Redhill Park, Poole, Hamworthy, Christchurch, Westbourne, Swanage, Wareham, Shaftesbury, Bere Regis, Brisdport, Trowbridge and Shaftesbury.
The fire has affected an area of around 300m x 500m, and crews have been using hose reel jets and beaters to extinguish it.
At 5am, a spokesman from the fire service said: “This has been hard work in dark and arduous conditions, and we now believe the fire to be contained. At this stage, we don’t know what caused the fire to start, but an investigation will take place once it’s daylight and the fire is fully under control. We are accessing the site via Beacon Road so please take extra care in that area.”
At 9.13am, Poole Fire Station reported that crews remain on the scene at Upton Heath following fire and continue to damp down affected areas. They expect to be on scene for some time.
Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service has extended an amber wildfire alert.
This level of alert means that, should a wildfire be experienced, it could spread quickly and easily due to the dry conditions. The risk is greatest on large areas of open land, such as heathlands, fields and even cliffsides.
Earlier this week, there was a fire at Moors Valley Country Park which has destroyed several hectares of heathland.
Area Manager Ant Bholah said: “We have already had a number of devastating fires this year.
“While the glorious weather is very welcome, especially with the school holidays looming, it does mean the ground and foliage are dry, leading to a greater risk of fire spreading if something happens to cause ignition. We would urge anyone going out and about in our beautiful countryside over the coming days to take extra care and be vigilant, follow our advice to #BringAPicnicNotABarbecue, and avoid having campfires on heathland or in woodlands.”
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