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Dorset firefighters receive 'non-stop' calls to wildfires

Dorset firefighters receive 'non-stop' calls to wildfires

BBC Newsa day ago
Footage has been released of firefighters tackling flames that engulfed an area the size of 30 football pitches.Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service (DWFRS) previously reported receiving a "high number of calls" following a number of fires across the Studland area.Swanage Fire Station has since released footage of them tackling some of the heath fire in Middlebere Heath on Sunday.The station said crews experienced "non-stop" callouts from Saturday, to tackle fires in Newton Heath, Middlebere Heath, Decoy Heath and Arne.
In a statement, Swanage Fire Station explained: "As you may be aware our station, as well as lots of others from Dorset, Wiltshire and Hampshire have been attending multiple fires in the area."Since midnight on Saturday, Swanage Station has been out almost non-stop to fires at Wareham, Arne and Rempstone Forest."Crews from Swanage are continuing to assist with monitoring the Newton Health wildfire, which is believed to have been started deliberately.DWFRS confirmed the Decoy Heath and Middlebere Heath fires have since been extinguished.
Swanage station added: "The strong winds were making this difficult and causing flare ups regularly. The incident is still not over and will be ongoing for quite a while longer."Area manager Marc House said they were "aware" a number of fires may have been set deliberately and urged anyone with information to contact police.He added: "The public can help and support us by carefully considering the use of barbecues and bonfires. "If you really must have one, please keep a bucket of water nearby."
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