Date: 1st April, 2025
Time: 2.08pm
Description: We were called at 2.08pm today (1 April) to reports of a fire in the open. Crews from Christchurch (x2), Redhill Park, Wimborne, Poole (x2), Westbourne, Verwood, two lightweight off-road vehicles from Verwood and Ferndown, alongside crew from Redbridge, Lyndhurst, and a water carrier from Ringwood (Hampshire & Isle of Wight FRS) are currently in attendance.
Firefighters are using beaters, multiple hose reel jets and main lines to extinguish.
3pm - A command unit from Hamworthy, a welfare unit from Ferndown and a water carrier from Eastleigh (Hampshire & Isle of Wight FRS) are now in attendance and we have approximately 50 firefighters at the incident.
7.15pm - Good progress has been made to bring the fire under control and the incident has now been scaled back to six fire appliances who will remain on scene to manage any localised hot spots. Security patrols will take place over night to monitor the area and a reinspection is due to take place at 8am tomorrow (Wednesday 2 April).
Wednesday April 2nd
10:30am - A re-inspection took place at 8am today and further hotspots were identified. One crew from Christchurch is currently on scene dealing with the fires and a 4x4 off road appliance from Christchurch has been requested to carry out a site patrol.
2:30pm - Any identified hotspots have now been extinguished and we have left the scene. A further re-inspection will take place at approximately 4:30pm today. The cause is still unknown at this time.
There is currently an Amber wildfire alert in place for the Service area, and we urge people to take extra care while enjoying our open spaces in the sunshine.
Heath fires can occur at any time of year or time of day, and we advise everyone to remain vigilant. For information on how to avoid a fire, please see our Heath Fires and Countryside Safety page.
7pm - We have dealt with a number of hotspots and security remains on site. A further reinspection is scheduled for 8.30am on Thursday.
Friday April 4th
1pm A joint investigation with Hampshire & Isle of Wight FRS has taken place into the cause of the fire which destroyed a large area of woodland at Moors Valley Country Park this week.
At this stage we are unable to confirm the cause of the fire.
These fires are an important reminder to be extra careful when out enjoying our countryside during this dry and warm weather.
• Never leave barbecues unattended and dispose of them appropriately
• Don’t leave glass bottles in direct sunlight as this could start a fire
• Ensure cigarettes are fully extinguished and correctly disposed of
Location: Moors Valley Country Park & Forest, Horton Road, Ashley Heath, Ringwood, UK