Date: 3rd July, 2025
Time: 5.51pm
Description:
We were called to Holton Heath, Poole to reports of a fire in the open. Crews from Poole (x2), Westbourne, Hamworthy and a water carrier from Poole were initially mobilised. On arrival, crews found multiple seats of fire in the area.
Further crews were then mobilised from Christchurch, Wimborne, Springbourne, Bere Regis and Swanage along with the two unimogs from Wareham and support vehicles from Ferndown and Dorchester.Firefighters used multiple main lines and hose reel jets. Due to light conditions crews scaled back overnight. Relief crews from Redhill Park and Charmouth along with three lightweight off-road vehicles from Bere Regis, Cranborne and Beaminster attended.
At 6am this morning (4 July), crews from Poole, Springbourne, Bere Regis and Wimborne were mobilised.
9.15am update: Nine appliances are now in attendance from Poole, Charmouth, Westbourne, Bere Regis, Wimborne, Bridport and Sherborne along with the Unimog from Wareham and support appliances from Dorchester, Ringwood (Hampshire & Isle of Wight FRS) and Maiden Newton. Fire is burning deep within the peat and firefighters are working hard to get the fire under control.
11am update: We currently have seven appliances, two unimogs, a water carrier and three support vehicles in attendance. Approximately 40 firefighters are on scene at the moment. The cause is believed to be deliberate, and we are working closely with the Police.
4.30pm update: One area of the fire has now been scaled down, but crews are still working to extinguish and dampen down the other affected areas. In total 18 different appliances, 2 unimogs and 10 support vehicles have been in attendance since the start of the incident and it has affected approximately 1.8 hectares of heath and scrubland.
The road is currently restricted on Blackhill Road, so please avoid the area.
9pm update: Incident has now been scaled back to two appliances and two support vehicles. Crews are damping down remaining hotspots using a hose reel jet and beaters.
Saturday 5th July
1pm update: A reinspection has taken place and one fire engine, one landrover and the unimog is attending to dealing with hotspots.
8pm update: A further reinspection is taking place this evening and an off road fire engine has been requested to attend to deal with more hotspots.
An amber wildfire alert is still in place and conditions remain very dry, so please take care and if you see anything suspicious while out and about, please report it to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or, in an emergency please call 999. More information and guidance on staying safe during warm weather can be found on our website – www.dwfire.org.uk
Further updates will be provided here.
Location: Blackhill Road, Holton Heath, Poole, UK
Attending Stations: