Holt Heath fire under major incident

A large heath fire on Holt Heath prompts a major incident as around 100 firefighters battle strong winds and evacuations.

Holt Heath fire triggers major incident

A major incident has been declared after around 100 firefighters were called to tackle a huge blaze on Holt Heath, near Wimborne in Dorset. The fire, which led to the evacuation of about 20 homes, covered roughly 1,000 by 800 metres on Saturday evening. Strong winds pushed flames across the heath, and crews worked through the night and into Sunday morning to contain it, with seven pumps still active as dawn broke. The National Trust joined the response to help create fire breaks and protect nearby land.

A second heath fire at Newton Heath near Swanage has burned about 21 hectares and remains under investigation. Assistant Chief Fire Officer Darren Langdown said the major incident reflected the size of the Holt Heath blaze and its impact on resources. He added that neighboring services were supporting the effort and urged people to stay away from the affected areas. Drones provided by Wessex Rescue are being used to guide firefighting, with the area still producing dense smoke. Some residents have returned home, while the public is advised to keep doors and windows closed until the smoke clears.

Windy, dry conditions turn small flames into large fires quickly, especially on heathland. The response shows how multiple agencies coordinate under pressure, including help from the National Trust and the use of drones to guide operations. The Newton Heath fire adds pressure on resources and raises questions about ongoing readiness and funding for emergency services. In a region facing climate-related fire risk, this episode underscores the need for clear public guidance and stronger resilience planning for communities and responders alike.

Highlights

Authorities say conditions remain volatile as crews continue to monitor the fires.