Date: 9th August, 2025
Time: 11:10
Description: We were called at 11:10am today with reports of smoke in the area of Holt Heath. We currently have 14 fire appliances in attendance. Firefighters are working hard to try and stop the spread of the fire which is being accelerated by the wind. We are also being supporting by appliances from HIOWFRS.
We have found people near the fire trying to film and watch the crews which is extremely dangerous so we are asking the public to stay away from the area. This fire is moving quickly and they could easily get caught out if they are too close and the fire spreads towards them.
5.30pm update: We have declared a major incident due to the size of this incident and its impact on the wider Service. More information can be found on the News section of this website.
9pm update: Firefighters have worked extremely hard to bring this fire under control and have saved one property from being affected by the fire spread. The fire is being extinguished using multiple pumping appliances and small 4x4 off road vehicles. Resources will be reduced overnight to six pumping appliances and two small 4x4 vehicles.
Sunday, 10 August 8:30am update: Steady progress was made over night to suppress the spread of the fire. The High Volume Pump from Devon & Somerset FRS was deployed to the scene and set up over night to provide a steady water supply. The incident is being scaled back up this morning to seven pumping appliances and three heavy off road appliances along with water carriers. The National Trust are also assisting us today to assist with creating fire breaks. Hampshire & IOW also continue to support us with resources at this incident. Approximately 69 hectares of land has been affected by fire at this stage. Local residents who had self-evacuated from their homes have now returned.
Road closures are in place which are being managed by Dorset Council. These are Holt Road Mannington, Horton Road, Three Legged Cross, Harts Lane to Amble Mead Holt, Holt Road and Lower Row, Holt
16:00 update: Firefighters are still working to manage any flare ups and hotspots using multiple pumping appliances, water carriers, small off road 4x4 vehicles and additional supporting appliances including the high volume pump. The National Trust have now left the scene and road closures remain in place to anyone other than emergency services and local residents.
Location: R3RC+G4 Wimborne, UK