Studland residents were told to stay indoors and keep their windows and doors closed after 5,000 square metres of heathland went up in flames.
Almost 50 firefighters from Swanage, Wareham and across Dorset were called to Agglestone on the evening of Monday 13th July 2026 as the blaze threatened to spread, fanned by a warm wind.
Flames on the heath at Agglestone could easily have got out of hand but for the quick reaction of fire crews
Dampening down the area
The fire was contained and extinguished within a few hours, but one fire engine and a support vehicle remained at the scene throughout the night and until the evening of Tuesday 14th July 2026, dampening down the area and making sure the flames didn’t reignite.
At the height of the incident, firefighters from Swanage and Wareham were joined by crews from Poole, Redhill Park, Wimborne, Ferndown and Ringwood, using hose reels and beaters to contain the fire.
Multiple 999 calls were received from members of the public who saw smoke over Studland, and due to the difficult location and access of the fire, more off road appliances were required when Swanage Fire Station teams first arrived.
Initial crews worked hard to stop the fire spreading due to the wind, and once the flames were contained by sunset, overnight teams remained on the site, with relief crews organised for the morning. The cause of the fire is still being investigated.
Studland residents were told to stay indoors and keep doors and windows closed as smoke from the fire spread quickly
“Take extra care to prevent fires”
As the hot, sunny weather is predicted to continue for at least another week, Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service officers have warned that Purbeck will continue to face exceptionally difficult wildfire conditions.
Group manager Matthew Skyme said:
“With the third heatwave this year continuing, I’m urging the public to take extra care to help avoid and prevent fires, especially during these challenging conditions.
“We appreciate that many people will want to enjoy the nice weather with friends and family, but it’s vital they consider the potential impacts that this hot weather can bring to everyday activities.
“Since early July, Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service has seen a number of fires involving large areas of land, fields, and heath. Fires during increasingly dry spells can be extremely difficult to extinguish and have a lasting impact on the environment and wildlife around them.
“We’d like to remind people to avoid having barbecues or campfires, especially on heathland or in open spaces. If you’re at the beach, don’t set off flares, have campfires, or light barbecues as these can easily lead to nearby plants catching fire.”
Wareham Fire Station’s new Unimog was quickly on the scene to help bring flames under control
“Farm and field fires also a big risk”
Matthew added:
“I’d also like to remind farmers and agricultural workers of the steps they can take to prevent a fire occurring while they work. On just one day this week, we attended four significant field fires across Dorset and Wiltshire.
“At this time of year, farmers are working long, hard hours and farm and field fires are also a big risk. It’s easy to let chaff and dust build up in the machines, which can then catch fire if any parts then overheat.
“The problem can be compounded when machinery is worked extra hard during hot weather, or when crops are harvested and stored in less than ideal conditions. There’s also the risk of field fires, often caused when flint is caught and sparked.”
Up to 50 firefighters in breathing apparatus fought the flames, many using beaters
Steam services suspended
Swanage Railway suspended steam services for Tuesday and Wednesday 14th and 15th July 2026, running historic diesel trains only, because of the risk of fires being caused alongside the rail lines.
A spokesperson for Swanage Railway said:
“Following a further review of the weather forecast, we have taken the decision to operate our diesel service again on Wednesday.
“While conditions have improved slightly, the combination of warm temperatures and the continuing breeze means that the risk remains too high for steam operation. As always, the safety of our passengers, staff, volunteers, neighbours and the surrounding countryside must come first.
“We are hopeful that cooler temperatures and lighter winds will allow the return of steam on Thursday 16th July 2026.”
Historic diesel locomotives replaced scheduled steam trains due to the risk of trackside fires
Further information
- Read countryside fire safety advice on Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service website
- Latest information about steam trains on Swanage Railway will be on its website
