Major incident declared as huge fire rages on Dorset heath
Urgent warning issued amid devastating heath fire
- A major incident was declared as 100 firefighters tackled a huge blaze on Dorset heathland.
- The wildfire at Holt Heath, near Wimborne, initially measured around 1,000 metres by 800 metres and prompted the evacuation of 20 homes, though residents have since returned.
- Fire crews worked through the night, making steady progress to suppress the spread, with approximately 69 hectares of land affected by Sunday morning.
- A second heath fire at Newton Heath near Swanage, affecting 21 hectares, has also been burning since the previous Sunday.
- Assistant Chief Fire Officer Darren Langdown urged the public to stay away from the affected areas and avoid flying drones, citing the rapid spread and strain on resources.