A major incident has been declared today at Holt Heath near Wimborne after a large heath fire broke out and spread rapidly due to windy conditions.
Over 100 firefighters from multiple Dorset stations and neighbouring services in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight are battling the blaze with numerous appliances, water carriers and a Unimog in attendance.
Smoke from the fire has been seen across east Dorset and residents have been advised to keep doors and windows closed.
Twenty homes near the fire front have been evacuated as a precaution.
At the same time crews remain at Newton Heath, near Swanage, where a heath fire affecting around twenty‑one hectares and believed to be started deliberately is still active.
The fire service has urged the public to stay away from affected areas and asked that no drones are flown near the incident to support safe firefighting operations.
Further updates will be posted on the Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service website.
The fire comes the day after another incident nearby last night, at White Sheet Plantation, off Holt Road.
