Six fire crews from Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service (DWFRS) tackled a large blaze on Salisbury Plain after it spread beyond the military impact area onto nearby farmland on Friday, 3 July. The fire posed extra risks due to unexploded munitions, prompting coordinated efforts with military teams. Smoke from the fire affected residents in the Netheravon, Amesbury and Larkhill areas, around six miles west of Enford.
Fire Spreads Beyond Impact Zone
Initially, firefighters were unable to directly tackle the flames within the military impact zone due to safety concerns over unexploded ordnance. However, when the fire moved onto adjacent farmland, local fire crews intervened to contain the blaze.
Combined Civilian And Military Effort
Fire crews from Amesbury, Salisbury, Ludgershall, and Devizes attended the scene first, supported by a water carrier from Andover. Additional teams from Melksham and Chippenham, along with a water carrier from Wilton, arrived later to assist and provide relief. All crews had left the site by 9pm on Friday, with military personnel overseeing the fire overnight.
Follow-up Operations Continue
On Saturday, 4 July, 4×4 fire appliances from Cranborne and Ludgershall fire stations returned to handle remaining hotspots, ensuring the blaze was fully controlled and no further spread occurred. The coordinated response highlights the challenges faced when fires intersect with military lands containing unexploded munitions, underlining the importance of joint emergency services operations in such incidents.
