Latest news with #DorsetAndWiltshireFireAndRescue
Sky News
2 days ago
- Climate
- Sky News
Major incident declared as crews battle Holt Heath fire near Wimborne
A major incident has been declared as about 100 firefighters tackle a blaze at Holt Heath near Wimborne in Dorset. The public have been warned to stay away and the fire service said it was trying to protect nearby properties by surrounding the blaze. Twenty homes have been evacuated as a precaution and locals told to keep windows and doors shut. Pictures showed smoke billowing into the air from the scene, just north of Bournemouth. Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service said it was called around 11.30am, adding that the fire was being whipped up by the wind. "This fire is moving quickly and they [the public] could easily get caught out if they are too close and the fire spreads towards them," said a statement. Crews could be at the scene for several days, said a senior firefighter, as hotter temperatures are forecast this week - prompting an amber wildfire alert in the area. Anthony Bholah, the service's area manager, said at least 20 engines were involved in the operation and that neighbouring fire services were also helping. He said the fire covered an area about 1000m by 800m and expected it would be a few days before it's full extinguished. "There are some areas that are really difficult to access," said Mr Bholah. "So we're being very cautious about how we approach it and we might call on some additional resources later on this evening." It's not yet confirmed how it started, but he said an investigation would be carried out with police and prosecutions could follow if necessary. The public has been warned not to fly drones over the fire as they could interfere with firefighters' own drones. Crews are also still tackling another fire in Dorset - at Newton Heath, near Swanage - that's been burning since last Sunday and affects 21 hectares. That fire is believed to have been started on purpose. People are being urged to make sure cigarette ends are extinguished properly and to not throw them on the ground or from cars. Barbeques on heath land, countryside or open spaces should also be avoided, warned the Dorset and Wiltshire service. Large wildfires burn in Europe Meanwhile, European nations have been dealing with much more destructive fires in what is becoming a growing problem in the summer. At least 1,400 firefighters have been deployed in France's southern Aude region to try to stop the country's biggest wildfire in decades from reigniting. The blaze was contained on Thursday after burning through 62 square miles this week. 1:30 Spain is also battling a fire in Avila province, 62 miles west of Madrid. It had been contained by Saturday afternoon but authorities said the coming hours were critical. In Greece, flames were fanned by strong winds in the Keratea region on Friday and reached residential areas 25 miles south of Athens. The same day, smoke also temporarily closed the Dardanelles Strait in northwest Turkey, with a nearby university campus and care home also evacuated. Local media said the fire started in a field in Canakkale province before spreading to a forested area.
BBC News
03-08-2025
- Climate
- BBC News
Multiple fires reported across heathland in Studland
Multiple fires have been reported on heathland in and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue said it was receiving a "high number of calls relating to fires in the open across the Studland area".Areas affected include Newton Heath, Middlebere Heath, Decoy Heath and fire service is urging anyone who sees an incident not in these locations to dial 999. Crews from 19 stations are responding to the various incidents.A spokesperson said: "We want to reassure everyone that we are in attendance and firefighters are working hard to extinguish the fires." You can follow BBC Dorset on Facebook, X (Twitter), or Instagram.
BBC News
30-07-2025
- Automotive
- BBC News
Evacuation as gas leak in Lyme Regis prompts car explosion fear
Homes in part of Lyme Regis were evacuated after a gas main leaked beneath a parked car, leading to concerns the vehicle could services were called to Pound Street at about 20:50 BST on Tuesday where the pipe was found to be leaking beneath the and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service crews said the gas from the "ruptured" pipe had "vented into a car, creating a potential explosion risk".Residents were asked to leave their homes while the vehicle was moved, and were allowed to return at about 11:00 BST. In a Facebook post, Charmouth fire station, which attended alongside a crew from Bridport, said: "Crews evacuated the immediate area and gained entry into the vehicle."Fortunately it did not explode and we were able to vent the gas and move the vehicle so that the gas engineers could carry out repair work to the ruptured pipe." A fire service spokesperson added: "A small number of properties were evacuated to ensure resident safety." Simon Collins, spokesperson for gas company SGN, said engineers attended following reports of a smell of said: "We found a leak on a gas pipe running beneath the road, but were unable to access it due to a vehicle being parked in the way."As a precaution, we evacuated nearby properties while the emergency services removed the vehicle, which allowed us to stop the leak and make the area safe. "All residents were then allowed to return to their homes."We'd like to thank people for their patience while we worked to make this essential repair." You can follow BBC Dorset on Facebook, X (Twitter), or Instagram.
BBC News
23-07-2025
- General
- BBC News
Recycling fire at Hurn depot prompts warning to shut windows
Residents near a recycling depot have been told to keep windows and doors shut after rubbish ignited in a building.A "large quantity" of material is burning at the Hurn recycling transfer station in Chapel Lane, Christchurch, from six stations have been tackling the blaze which broke out shortly before 11:30 and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue said firefighters were working with site staff and council representatives to contain the fire and prevent it spreading. In an update at 15:15 BST, a fire service spokesperson said: "The incident is still ongoing with a large number of resources still on the scene."Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council said: "If you're in the local area, please keep windows and doors closed to stay safe." You can follow BBC Dorset on Facebook, X, or Instagram.
Yahoo
22-07-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Firefighters praised for tackling thatched blaze
A homeowner has said firefighters went "above and beyond" in tackling a blaze which destroyed the top floor of her Grade-II listed thatched home. Beth Collins, who lives at Bowden Hill near Lacock in Wiltshire, thought a garden fire had got out of control when she called 999. "[There is] absolutely nothing you can do. It's just surreal. Everything happened very quickly," she said. Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service had 55 firefighters and 13 engines out at one point - they said the fire started accidentally due to embers from a hedge fire caused by a bonfire. "You don't have much time to think about it," said Ms Collins. "You think where is all that smoke, where are all those flames from? I thought it was just a fire in the garden. Someone came hurtling down the road and said 'your thatch is on fire'." She said she could not thank the fire service enough. "They just worked like trojans, they went above and beyond. They carried out all our furniture, anything they could get." More news stories for Wiltshire Listen to the latest news for Wiltshire The service saved most of the possessions, and Ms Collins said she plans to write to authorities later to thank them further. She and her husband are not currently allowed back in the house, but she explained they are "very lucky" as they have some accommodation above their garage. As it is listed, the cottage will be rebuilt. Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue said it was called out to the property on Monday afternoon and brought in resources from all over Wiltshire. Local roads around the home were closed off, with firefighters working through the night. They were able to leave the scene at 10:00 BST 22 July and the fire service has thanked the nearby pub The Bell Inn for refreshments. Meanwhile, Ms Collins said herself and her husband are "fighting fit" and a bit tired. She called the local community "caring and compassionate" as she explained they had been sent goodwill messages. Follow BBC Wiltshire on Facebook, X and Instagram. Send your story ideas to us on email or via WhatsApp on 0800 313 4630. More on this story Roads closed as firefighters tackle large blaze
