Fire crews tackling the large blaze at Holt Heath have scaled back their operation following significant progress in recent days.
Two of the four fire sectors are now in a watching brief stage, meaning firefighters are monitoring these areas rather than actively working them. Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service described this as “very positive news” in the ongoing response.
In the other two sectors, crews are still managing flare ups and hotspots to prevent the fire from reigniting. The work continues with assistance from fire services from Greater Manchester and Lancashire, who have joined the local teams on site.
National resources remain involved in the incident, with specialist equipment and personnel brought in from across the country. This morning, firefighters from South Wales and Leicestershire were among those in attendance.
The scale of the response has been reduced compared to earlier in the week, when large numbers of firefighters and appliances were needed to control the blaze. The fire, which has burned across a wide area of heathland, has required extensive collaboration between local and visiting crews.
The public are still being advised to stay clear of the area to allow firefighting operations to continue safely. Road closures remain in place around parts of Holt Heath to ensure access for emergency vehicles and to protect members of the public from any remaining hazards.
The fire service has thanked residents and local businesses for their continued support, which has included providing food, water and welfare facilities for crews working in challenging conditions.
Investigations into the cause of the fire are ongoing. Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service has previously stated that it is believed to have been started deliberately.