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Huge wildfire engulfs Holton Heath
Up to 40 firefighters and 18 appliances were needed to put out last week’s blaze, which authorities say was caused deliberately.
Yet another wildfire has destroyed acres of Dorset heathland, following the outbreak of a fire at Holton Heath last week.
Crews from Poole, Westbourne and Hamworthy were summoned to the heathland near Poole on the evening of Thursday 3 June. When they arrived, the firefighters discovered multiple seats of fire in the area.
In the morning of Fridy 4 July, more crews were mobilised to help tackle the blaze. At the peal of the incident, approximately 40 firefighters were on the scene along with 18 different appliances, including two unimogs and 10 support vehicles.
Firefighters came from Hamworthy, Poole, Westbourne, Springbourne, Christchurch, Wimborne, Bere Regis, Swanage, Redhill Park, Charmouth, Shaftesbury, Gillingham, Bridport, Sherborne, Verwood, Weymouth, Ludgershall, Wareham, Cranborne, Dorchester, Ferndown, Blandford, Beaminster, Maiden Newton and Ringwood.
According to Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service (DWFRS), the fire was burning deep within the peat and affected approximately 1.8 hectares of heath and scrubland.
By Friday evening, the fire was under control and the operation was scaled back to two appliances and two support vehicles.
Crews remained in the scene throughout Saturday 5 July, dealing with remaining hotspots.
DWFRS said the cause of the fire was believed to be deliberate, and they are working closely with the police.
An amber wildfire alert is still in place and conditions remain very dry, so DWFRS advised people to please take care.
If you see anything suspicious while out and about, please report it to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or, in an emergency please call 999. More information and guidance on staying safe during warm weather can be found on this website: www.dwfire.org.uk.
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