Latest news with #WiltshireFireService
Yahoo
5 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
Arson arrest following fire at historic airfield
A person has been arrested on suspicion of arson after a fire engulfed a Grade II* listed World War One hangar. The blaze broke out in Hangar 3 of the Old Sarum Airfield in Wiltshire on 17 April, burning the historic structure to the ground and destroying an adjacent cafe. The inferno came just a week after developers were given the go-ahead to build up to 315 homes on the site following a long battle for permission. Wiltshire Police said the suspect, whose age has not been revealed, has been released on bail while investigations continue. The airfield lies within the setting of a Scheduled Monument, which means it is recognised as a nationally important archaeological site by the government. The airfield operators had been told to make repairs to Hangar 3 - which partially collapsed when Storm Isha struck in January 2024 - as a condition of planning approval. Witnesses at the time told the BBC how roaring flames and billowing plumes of black smoke could be spotted from miles away. Dorset and Wiltshire Fire Service warned those living nearby to stay indoors and keep windows and doors shut due to the risk of "unknown chemicals". Follow BBC Wiltshire on Facebook, X and Instagram. Send your story ideas to us on email or via WhatsApp on 0800 313 4630. Large blaze breaks out at World War One airfield Fresh appeal for footage of large fire at airfield Protecting airfield is about 'protecting heritage' Fire investigators to continue work at airfield Wiltshire Police
Yahoo
24-04-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Residents hear explosions as fire erupts from manholes
Residents have reported hearing explosions after manhole covers were "blown open" by an underground fire. Footage showed flames emerging from a manhole near The Victoria Cross pub in Parkstone, Dorset. The blaze, which was reported at about 12:30 BST, also caused a power cut in and around Ashley Road, Dorset and Wiltshire Fire Service said. The power supply should be restored by midnight, Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks (SSEN) said. The fire service said the blaze was extinguished by 14:10. In a statement, it said: "A crew from Westbourne attended and an underground fire was identified, which had affected at least four manhole covers and caused some loss of power in the immediate area. Ashley Road was closed at its junction with Mansfield Road and Victoria Road, and people were advised to avoid the area. Residents in a local Facebook group reported hearing explosions "like gunfire" when manhole covers flew off. SSEN said the power cut was confined to streets in the immediate area, including Ashley Road, Mansfield Road and Victoria Road. You can follow BBC Dorset on Facebook, X (Twitter), or Instagram. Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service
BBC News
24-04-2025
- General
- BBC News
Manhole fire near Parkstone pub closes road
Residents have reported hearing explosions after manhole covers were "blown open" by an underground showed flames emerging from a manhole near The Victoria Cross pub in Parkstone, blaze, which was reported at about 12:30 BST, also caused a power cut in and around Ashley Road, Dorset and Wiltshire Fire Service power supply should be restored by midnight, Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks (SSEN) said. The fire service said the blaze was extinguished by 14: a statement, it said: "A crew from Westbourne attended and an underground fire was identified, which had affected at least four manhole covers and caused some loss of power in the immediate area. Ashley Road was closed at its junction with Mansfield Road and Victoria Road, and people were advised to avoid the in a local Facebook group reported hearing explosions "like gunfire" when manhole covers flew said the power cut was confined to streets in the immediate area, including Ashley Road, Mansfield Road and Victoria Road. You can follow BBC Dorset on Facebook, X (Twitter), or Instagram.
Yahoo
18-04-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Picture hunters obstructing crews at airfield fire
People taking pictures of a huge fire that engulfed a Grade II*-listed World War One airfield were obstructing fire crews fighting the blaze, police say. The blaze broke out at the site on Lancaster Road, Old Sarum in Salisbury on Thursday evening. A hangar partially collapsed as a result of the fire, which also engulfed the adjacent restaurant and café. Wiltshire Police said that people had been getting in the way of emergency workers "in an attempt to take photos of the burning building". Enquiries into the cause of the fire are ongoing. "Please avoid the area and respect cordons - they are in place to protect you," the police added. Dorset and Wiltshire Fire Service said crews had scaled back their response on Friday morning. Remaining crews at the scene on Friday were "dampening down" the fire. The fire broke out just a week after developers were given the go-ahead for up to 315 homes to be built there following a battle for permission. Follow BBC Wiltshire on Facebook, X and Instagram. Send your story ideas to us on email or via WhatsApp on 0800 313 4630. Large blaze breaks out at World War One airfield Wiltshire Police
BBC News
27-03-2025
- General
- BBC News
'Inspirational' Wareham firefighter retires after 41 years
A volunteer firefighter, who has been praised as an inspiration to colleagues, is preparing to retire after 41 years' manager Tom Reid joined Wareham fire station in Dorset on 6 December 1983, while also holding down a full-time job at the Forestry knowledge of routes through forests and how to deal with people trapped by trees has been invaluable, Dorset and Wiltshire Fire Service Reid said he had loved every minute of his firefighting career, despite the lack of freedom from being on call. Notable incidents in the veteran's career include the fire on the merchant vessel EBN Magid in 1986 and the BDH factory blaze in Poole in Mr Reid said one of the most memorable was the fire that broke out over more than 180 hectares of Wareham Forest and heathland in said: "On one hand, working as part of such a big team, all pulling together to extinguish this extraordinary fire, was something very special. "However, on the other hand, I was looking at 20 years of my working life literally up in smoke, and that was very difficult." A few weeks later, he recalled taking part in community clapping for the NHS during the Covid pandemic."On this one occasion, someone in the crowd then called: 'Three cheers for the firefighters,'" Mr Reid said."We all had some dust in our eyes at that point." Dozens of well-wishers turned up for Mr Reid's final drill night on Fire Officer Andy Cole said: "It's people like Tom, and their dedication to their colleagues and the wider community, that keep the fire and rescue service going. "He has been a real inspiration to his colleagues at Wareham and across the wider Service, and he will be missed." You can follow BBC Dorset on Facebook, X (Twitter), or Instagram.
