Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service says it has attended a record breaking number of wildfires in 2025 – more than 40 percent started deliberately – and the strain on resources means its facing closing stations or increasing its council tax funding to address its financial deficit.
There has been a spate of wildfires started deliberately in Dorset and across Purbeck since March 2025, with a local incident at the beginning of August 2025 when four fires were started within hours of each other including at Newton Heath near Studland.
At Newton Heath near Studland, 19 hectares of heathland was destroyed at the beginning of August 2025
Just over 41 percent confirmed as deliberate
Between the start of 2025 and Tuesday 26th August 2025, Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service (DWFRS) says there has been a surge in wildfires, placing it under immense strain and stretching resources.
Over this period, it has attended 910 grassland, woodland, and crop fires. This is the same number as for the whole of 2022 – the previous record year.
Of these, 375 have been confirmed as deliberate – just over 41 percent. However it’s still waiting for confirmation on the cause of approximately 50 incidents, so that number may increase.
DWFRS says the extended dry spells, heatwaves, and high winds have created the perfect conditions for wildfires to ignite and spread rapidly.
Multiple fires started intentionally in July 2025, damaged nearly two hectares of heath and scrubland at Holton Heath near Wareham
“Increased frequency and intensity… has strained resources”
Chief fire officer Andy Cole said:
“This summer has been one of the most challenging for wildfires that we’ve ever faced. Our firefighters have been working around the clock in arduous conditions, often for days at a time, to protect lives, homes, and our natural environment.
“In addition to the physical toll on crews, the increased frequency and intensity of wildfires has strained resources, such as equipment and finances.”
A major incident was declared on Saturday 9th August 2025 as hundreds of firefighters from across Dorset and other counties, including crews from Swanage and Wareham tackled two large fires – one at Newton Heath near Studland and a second larger blaze at Holt Heath near Wimborne.
This triggered additional help from national assets like the army, who were then deployed to support the frontline efforts.
Huge environmental damage caused at Holt Heath near Wimborne
“Close fire stations to address the deficit”
Chief fire officer Andy Cole added:
“The major incident at Holt Heath and a spate of wildfires across our service area, highlight the need for better funding across the sector and I am supporting the National Fire Chiefs Council’s call for this.
“We also took the opportunity recently to respond to the government’s Fire Funding Review consultation. Its proposals, if implemented, could result in the reduction of up to 2,300 firefighter posts nationally, and would leave services like ours even worse off than we are now.
“We are already facing the possibility of having to close fire stations to address the deficit we currently hold – and that’s before these new proposals are considered.
“At present, 75 percent of our income comes from council tax, and the average household across the four authorities we serve contributes £1.76 per week to their fire and rescue service.
“If we were allowed to increase this to £1.95 per week, it would make a significant difference to our financial position making us more sustainable and ensuring our ability to keep the communities of Dorset and Wiltshire safe.”
Barbecues can easily cause grass to catch light and their use are banned in much of Purbeck’s countryside
Preventative measures
DWFRS is urging the public to take preventative steps to reduce the risk of wildfires starting, including not lighting open fires or barbecues in the countryside, extinguishing cigarette ends properly, and reporting any sightings of fires promptly to the emergency services.
Landowners and land managers are advised to be prepared for fires, where possible, ensuring fire breaks are cut and well maintained, with any cut grasses and vegetation removed from the site.
At Holt Heath the road created a natural fire break
No charges
Following the four deliberate arson attacks across Purbeck at the beginning of August 2025, a spokesperson for Dorset Police said:
“I can confirm we are working with the fire service to investigate these fires and following all viable lines of enquiry.”
However so far, no individuals have been arrested and charged with arson in relation to these wildfires.
A common lizard was lucky to be found alive at Holt Heath after the major incident
“Find the individuals we believe are deliberately causing this unnecessary damage”
Chief fire officer Andy Cole said:
“We’re working really hard with all our partners across Purbeck, and elsewhere, to prevent wildfires occurring.
“We have lots of ongoing prevention programmes including volunteer patrols, education work and public awareness initiatives.
“We are also working with our police colleagues to find the individuals we believe are deliberately causing this unnecessary damage to our wonderful natural environment.”
Further information
- More about wildfires and safety on the DWFRS website
