Fire service urges caution after wildfires increase

A fire and rescue service has urged people to take care to cut the risk of wildfires after the number it attended more than doubled over two years.

Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service (DWFRS) said it tackled 510 wildfires in 2023 but 1,040 in 2025, with "a proportion" of those believed to have been started deliberately.

One of those last year was a large wildfire at Holt Heath, near Wimborne, Dorset, that destroyed 72 hectares (177 acres) of land and took firefighters from around the country days to bring under control.

Marc House, DWFRS's head of prevention, said that incident and others "highlight just how devastating and resource intensive wildfires are".

He added: "Anyone who sees suspicious behaviour, small fires or discarded ignition materials is urged to report it to Dorset Police or to call 999 in an emergency.

"By staying alert, acting responsibly and reporting concerns, the public can play a vital role in helping DWFRS and Dorset Police protect communities and prevent wildfires this summer."

Insp Adam Gill, of Dorset Police, said: "We are committed to working with all our partners to keep our communities safe and this includes working with the fire service and other agencies to protect our heathlands and other sensitive environments.

"We will be conducting patrols in these areas as part of a coordinated response effort with partners to provide an increased presence and we will thoroughly investigate any incidents where fires are reported to have been started deliberately.

"Members of the public can also assist by reporting any suspicious activity around heathland areas to us."