A wildfire engulfed Upton Heath in Poole, Dorset, late Wednesday night, prompting the deployment of 80 firefighters and multiple emergency units in response to several emergency calls starting at 11:44 pm.
The blaze, which spread across approximately 37 acres, saw fire crews battling the intense flames under challenging nighttime conditions.
Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service, currently unsure of the fire’s origins, announced plans to initiate an investigation as daylight returns and the situation stabilizes.
They have issued warnings for increased caution along Beacon Road, which serves as an access route to the affected site.
This incident coincided with a nationwide amber alert for wildfires, issued on the same day, highlighting a heightened risk across England, extending into Northern Ireland and southern Scotland.
The Fire Severity Index had indicated severe conditions that could facilitate the rapid spread of wildfires due to the prevailing dry weather.
The risk is particularly acute on expansive open terrains such as heaths, fields, and cliff sides.
This week alone, the Dorset area witnessed several fires, including a significant incident at Moors Valley Country Park and a previous fire at Canford Heath, which resulted in considerable damage to local habitats.
Ant Bholah, the area manager for the fire service, expressed concern over the recurring fire incidents exacerbated by the dry conditions brought about by recent warm weather.
With school holidays approaching, the service urges the public to exercise caution during outdoor activities, advising against the use of barbecues and campfires in vulnerable areas and promoting the campaign #BringAPicnicNotABarbecue to prevent further fire outbreaks.
