150 Firefighters Battle Huge Heath Fire in Dorset
Over 150 firefighters from Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service are locked in a fierce fight against a rapidly spreading heath fire at Wareham Forest. The blaze is proving tough to control and authorities are on high alert.
Suspicious Sightings Before Blaze
Minutes before the fire erupted, police received reports of several men spotted in the area carrying red petrol cans. Contractors have also been working nearby, but fire chiefs have so far ruled out arson. A full investigation will kick off once the fire is under control.
Fire Threatens Major Pipelines and Power Lines
Fire sources warn the fire is creeping dangerously close to a live underground gas and oil pipeline and overhead power lines perched on metal pylons. If the smoke hits the power lines, it could cause arching and serious damage, potentially disrupting local services.
Massive Firefighting Effort Underway
- More than 25 fire engines deployed
- Seven off-road vehicles and eight Land Rovers on site
- Four water carriers, a Unimog, plus a specialist High Volume Pump capable of pumping over 79,000 litres per minute
This specialist pump, usually used in floods, is battling the blaze along with fire beaters, hose reels, and a compressed air foam system (CAFS) that sprays fire retardant foam to slow the fire’s advance. Ground commanders are also busy digging fire breaks to contain the flames.
Road Closures and Military Support
Several roads near the blaze, including Sugar Hill and Bere Road, have been shut due to thick smoke making them impassable. Nearby troops at Bovington Camp have offered backup to frontline firefighters fighting the blaze.
“Over 100 firefighters are now tackling this major fire affecting heathland and woodland at Wareham Forest,” a fire service spokesman said. “Crews are using hose reels, main lines, and beaters to bring it under control.”
The operation remains fluid, with the incident declared a Major Incident Standby as crews battle the fast-moving fire on multiple fronts.
