Date: 12th August, 2022
Update from National Trust – 18 August
The area affected by the fire was used extensively for live firing exercises during World War Two.
We have therefore decided to close the affected area to all public access whilst we carry out the necessary surveys and remedial works. The Studland beach area and visitor facilities are open as usual.
Update 3.30pm 15 August
Areas of Studland cared for by the National Trust continue to be cordoned off due to ongoing fire hotspots and also the discovery of some unexploded ordnances revealed by the fire.
While the main fire is fully extinguished, firefighters from Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service have returned to the site to deal with remaining hotspots, working alongside National Trust rangers.
Due to these ongoing issues at Studland, the National Trust and Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service would ask visitors to stay away from the area and abide by any warning signs they see until further notice.
WWII ordnances are occasionally found at Studland and anyone finding anything must report it immediately to the Police 999 or any member of NT staff.
Update 11.30am 15 August
Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service has now left the scene of a large heath fire on the Studland peninsula, which started on Friday afternoon (12 August).
At the height of the incident, there were approx. 90 firefighters tackling the blaze, drawn from across the Service area and from neighbouring Hampshire & Isle of Wight FRS.
The fire has caused significant damage to an area of almost five hectares of National Trust nature reserve, and was most likely caused by misuse of a disposable barbecue and campfire – both of which are banned on the peninsula.
Group Manager Brad Stevens said: “This was a difficult and protracted fire to bring under control, and I cannot praise enough our crews for their hard work in extremely hot conditions. Thanks must go to the Salvation Army, for looking after us so well across the weekend; to the National Trust, the Sandbanks chain ferry and the Coastguard for their support throughout the incident; and also colleagues at Dorset Council, BCP Council and Dorset Police – this truly was a multi-agency effort, with many other partners from within the Local Resilience Forum also being involved at various levels.”
While the majority of people enjoying the sunshine at Studland over the weekend cooperated fully with the necessary restrictions put in place to keep them and firefighters safe, there were some who ignored the ‘no parking’ signs and even moved hose.
GM Stevens said: “To have found evidence of a campfire and disposable barbecue at the heart of the fire was staggering, given the ban in that location, the many signs around the area, and the on-going media focus on the tinder-dry conditions and fire risk. To then have that exacerbated by people ignoring the parking restrictions and even moving our equipment to make way for their cars was unbelievable. Parking fines were issued in many cases, and some cars were towed away, but we must again urge people to be aware of what is happening around them, and to work with us when incidents like this happen.”
Although rain is expected this week, the dry conditions mean even the smallest fire will spread far more quickly than usual, so the safest thing is to avoid the risk entirely wherever possible.
Fire safety top tips:
- Don’t have barbecues or campfires on heath or in open spaces; the risk of a fire starting is too great. Barbecues and campfires are actually banned in many country parks, campsites and open spaces, so make sure you check what is and isn’t allowed where you are, and follow the rules.
- An easy way to stay safe is to #BringAPicnicNotABBQ – picnics, or using local cafés etc, is far safer.
- Extinguish cigarettes properly, and don’t throw cigarette ends on the ground or out of car windows – take your litter home.
- If you see a fire in the countryside, get to a safe place and call 999 to report it immediately to the Fire & Rescue Service. Please provide as much detail as possible about location – the What3Words or other location apps can help – and wait for help to arrive.
Update 9:20am 14 August
Firefighters are still on scene this morning and at midday the incident will be scaled back further to one appliance for monitoring throughout the rest of the day. Our equipment is still in use along Ferry Road and the NO PARKING restriction will remain in place to allow us to continue to work.
Some vehicles have been towed away due to ignoring the signs so please do not park there, car parks are available.
Update 9:15pm 13 August
Good progress is being made with damping down. The incident has been scaled back further with two fire engines and two Landrovers who will remain on scene to continue damping down and maintain a watching brief over night.
Update 12:00pm 13 August
We have found evidence of a campfire and BBQ at the seat of the fire and believe this to be the cause of the fire which started yesterday.
Please DO NOT have campfires, bonfires or use barbecues in the countryside.
These types of fires take up huge amounts of resources, not just from ourselves but supporting partners including Local Authorities, Police, Public Health and Environment Agency.
Update 8:45am 13 August
The incident has now been scaled back to four off road appliances, four Landrovers and the Unimog. We are also now using the High Volume Pump (HVP) to supply water to the incident ground. Crews will continue to dampen down the area but with the heat continuing to increase throughout the day, we are expecting reignition in some areas.
The Ferry will be re-opening shortly for business as usual and Ferry Road will also be re-opened. Due to our HVP being used, there will be NO PARKING on Ferry Road, only the car parks. For the safety of our firefighters and partners assisting at this incident, please drive with caution in the area and we would remind the public for their own safety not to enter the heathland.
Update 7:15pm 12 August
We are continuing to tackle the fire at Studland heath. The chain ferry is running one way, towards Poole, to help people leave the peninsula but Ferry Road is likely to remain closed until tomorrow morning at the earliest, due to the continued impact of the smoke plume.
A high volume pump is being used to ensure a steady water supply to firefighters through the night.
DWFRS is working with partners, including Dorset Police, Dorset Council, BCP Council and the National Trust, to minimise the impacts of this fire to residents and visitors.
Anyone in the local area who is concerned about the smoke plume should keep doors and windows closed as a precaution.
Update 5:00pm 12 August
Access to the Studland peninsula is currently closed while Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service deal with a large heath fire.
Crews were first called to Studland Heath at 1.12pm this afternoon (12 August), and there are currently approx. 90 firefighters tackling the blaze.
This includes fire engines from Springbourne, Blandford (x2), Poole, Westbourne, Swanage, Christchurch, Bridport, Redhill Park, Verwood, Shaftesbury, Wimborne (x2) and New Milton; small 4×4 appliances from Poole, Christchurch, Swanage, Beaminster, Verwood, Blandford, Bere Regis, Wimborne, Ringwood and Hythe; the Unimog from Wareham; a support unit from Dorchester; and water carriers from Ringwood and Eastleigh.
Due to the fire being either side of the main Ferry Road, access from and towards Swanage is currently closed.
Group Manager Brad Stevens said: “The fire affects an area of around 200m x 200m, and is generating a lot of smoke. Anyone in the local area who is concerned should keep doors and windows closed. Our crews are fighting the fire on all sides, using multiple jets and beaters, and National Trust staff are using machinery to create a fire break.”
He added: “Anyone who is currently on the peninsula will be able to leave via the chain ferry, which is running one-way with passengers towards Poole only. This will be very busy as the evening goes on, so people are asked to be mindful of the potential delays and prepare accordingly.”
Anyone using the harbour is being asked to stay away from the chain ferry route, so they can continue to assist.