Swanage crew called to “extremely careless” heath fire

Fire crews from around Dorset including Swanage Fire Station, have been tackling an extensive heath blaze caused by a disposable barbecue.

The fire started yesterday afternoon in Puddletown Forest, just north east of Dorchester, after a member of the public decided to have a barbecue and then it got out of control.

Advertisement 

Ten appliances

The extent of the fire meant that ten appliances were called to the scene with crews from Swanage, Wimborne, Dorchester, Wareham, Poole, Hamworthy, Weymouth and Blandford.

Fire at Puddletown Forest
Dorset and Wiltshire FRS

The Swanage crew was initially mobilised to cover for the Wareham appliance that was tackling the fire, then at 6.05 pm on Sunday 26th April 2020, it was called to the scene and spent several hours dampening down the smoldering gorse.

Barbecue at Puddletown Forset fire
Dorset and Wiltshire FRS

Swanage Fire Station said:

“The fire is believed to have been started by a disposable barbecue, which is extremely careless at the best of times but even more so at the moment.”

Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue added:

“This caused a large forest fire, burning gorse and heath and also destroyed wildlife. Please follow government guidance and only go outdoors when necessary, this will help us and prevent these damaging, resource-intensive fires starting.”

Puddletown Forest fire
Dorset and Wiltshire FRS
Scorched heath after Puddletown Forest fire
Swanage Fire Station

Share this story

Contact us

Do you have anything to add to this story?

We like to keep everything up-to-date, so if you know more, please help us by getting in touch.

Advertisement 

Top stories

Storm Ciarán sweeps into Swanage brushing away its flood defences Concrete blocks along Swanage seafront to protect against flooding were strewn across the road by the force of Storm Ciarán, while Studland beaches had about five years of coastal erosion ... 1 month ago BBC snubs Purbeck by filming Enid Blyton stories in Cornwall 1 week ago Polar Express magic arrives in Swanage for Christmas 3 weeks ago Crisis at Swanage Railway as £450,000 survival fund is launched 1 month ago Restaurant with perfect view of Swanage Bay to open in 2024 2 weeks ago

Most recent

Business is blooming in Swanage town centre Bucking the national trend of empty shop units, Swanage in Dorset is seeing lots more new businesses opening up in the heart of the seaside town. 10 hours ago Inspiring Christmas trees at Swanage festival 1 day ago Enchanted evenings light up Purbeck secret garden 2 days ago Swanage seafront survey result gives council splitting headache 3 days ago Plans for growth at Swanage community garden 4 days ago