Date: 1st June, 2023
Over 60 firefighters tackled a fire affecting approx. 4.7 hectares of gorse and heathland at St Stephen’s Lane, Verwood yesterday (31 May).
Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service was called at 4.19pm to the fire, which was being fanned by the windy conditions. At the height of the incident, there were fire engines on scene from Verwood, Ringwood, Wimborne (x2), Christchurch, Poole, Shaftesbury, Fordingbridge and Ferndown.
Because of the difficult access to the affected area, small 4×4 pumping appliances were also sent from Verwood, Cranborne, Wimborne, Ferndown, Ringwood, Burley, Lyndhurst, Hamworthy, Poole and Christchurch.
The Unimog from Wareham, a water carrier from Poole and support appliances from Salisbury and Ferndown also attended.
Firefighters used eight hose reel jets and four main jets to tackle the fire, which was under control shortly after midnight, with relief crews brought in throughout the evening. One fire engine and two small 4×4 appliances remain on scene this morning (8am) damping down and dealing with hot spots.
While a cause is not yet known for this fire, the continued warm, dry weather means the risk of wildfire remains high.
Fire safety top tips include:
- Don’t have barbecues or campfires on the heath or in open spaces; the risk of a fire starting is too great.
- Extinguish cigarettes properly, 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, call 999 and report it immediately to the Fire & Rescue Service. Please provide as much detail as possible about location and access, but also make sure you are in a safe place.
More information on staying safe and enjoying outside areas whilst avoiding starting a wildfire can be found at www.dwfire.org.uk/heath-fires-and-countryside-safety
If you see anything suspicious on the heath or in our beautiful open spaces, please report it to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.