Firefighters remain on the scene of a major fire at Holt Heath for the fourth consecutive day, with efforts continuing to fully extinguish the blaze.
The fire started at around 11am on Saturday and has burnt 69 hectares of heathland between Wimborne and Three Legged Cross. Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service say they believe the blaze was started deliberately.
More than 100 firefighters from across the south of England have been involved in the operation. Crews have worked in challenging conditions to contain the fire, which has left large areas of the protected heathland scorched.
The incident has drawn in support from neighbouring fire services, as well as specialist wildfire units and equipment. Teams have been using hose lines, beaters, and off-road vehicles to access difficult terrain.
In their latest update, Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue confirmed that aerial water drops aren’t ruled out and could be used in the coming days to help tackle hotspots. This option remains under consideration, particularly with hot and dry weather forecast to continue.
A post on the DWFRS website from last night reads: “The fire remains surrounded and crews continue to tackle hotspots across the 69 hectare site. We currently have two water carriers, DWFRS appliances, off-road vehicles, National Resilience assets and a high volume pump in use. With hot weather forecast for the coming days, the National Trust is working to create additional firebreaks as a contingency.
“The advice we are receiving from national tactical advisors is that airborne water supplies would not have the desired impact at this time. However, this option remains under review and the position may change. We believe the recent spate of wildfires to be deliberate acts, and we would urge anyone with any information to contact the police or Crimestoppers.”
Photo credit: Axminster Fire on Facebook