Dorset and Wiltshire Fire Service says this morning crews are at the scene of the “well-developed fire” at Upton Heath, which is a large heathland near Poole, Dorset
These shocking pictures capture a huge wildfire rage through a heathland this morning.
Emergency services have told residents to keep their doors and windows closed due to the thick smoke billowing from the blaze on Upton Heath, a heathland near Poole, Dorset. Writing on social media, locals expressed their concern about the incident, which has come amid an amber wildfire alert.
One person said: “Massive fire by Upton Heath, getting worse by the second.” Another posted on Facebook: “There’s a massive fire up on Upton Heath.” A third shared: “I hope everyone stays safe!!”
But residents across Upton and Poole in Dorset have been reassured firefighters are at the scene, and they should keep their doors and windows shut to keep safe this morning. It is not yet known if anyone has been hurt as a result of the blaze.
Poole Fire Station’s official Facebook account read this morning: “Our Control room is receiving multiple emergency calls about a well developed fire at Upton Heath. Crews are on scene and are working hard to tackle the blaze. Please keep doors & windows closed if you are in the affected area and are concerned about the smoke.”
Are you in Poole or the surrounding area? Contact [email protected]
It comes after a wildfire broke out 15 miles away on Moors Valley in the same county on Tuesday afternoon. The two blazes are the latest wildfires, which have happened due to the dry ground following a dry March.
Dorset and Wiltshire Fire Service had said: “An Amber wildfire alert has been extended for the the Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service area. This level of alert means that, should a wildfire be experienced, it could spread quickly and easily due to the dry conditions. The risk is greatest on large areas of open land, such as heathlands, fields and even cliffsides.”
The fire service’s move reflects concern raised by the Met Office, which said strong winds coupled with the dry weather have created optimum conditions for wildfires across the UK, like the one pictured on Upton Heath.
Area Manager at the fire service, Ant Bholah, said: “We have already had a number of devastating fires this year, including the on-going issues at Moors Valley and one at Canford Heath last month that destroyed more habitat than all the wildfire incidents we experienced in 2024.
“While the glorious weather is very welcome, especially with the school holidays looming, it does mean the ground and foliage are dry, leading to a greater risk of fire spreading if something happens to cause ignition.
“We would urge anyone going out and about in our beautiful countryside over the coming days to take extra care and be vigilant, follow our advice to #BringAPicnicNotABarbecue, and avoid having campfires on heathland or in woodlands.”
