CREWKERNE FIREFIGHTERS ASSIST AT MAJOR FOREST FIRE

Crewkerne Firefighters have been assisting many other counties emergency services at the major forest fire near Wareham. Dorset & Wiltshire Fire And Rescue were first alerted to the wildfire, in the area of Sugar Hill near Wareham on Monday May 18th. The large forest fire had firefighters from across the counties of Dorset, Wiltshire, Hampshire, Royal Berkshire, Devon and Somerset tackling the blaze and keeping on top of hot spots and flare ups, caused by strong winds in the area. A tactical wildfire team from South Wales FRS was also called in and under their guidance, controlled burns were used to help control the spread of the fire.

The major forest fire which devastated a natural area of around 220 hectares, was also tackled from the air, although the helicopter has now been put on standby. Incident Commander, Group Manager Dave Graham said: “The wildfire risk remains very high. Please avoid the area and please stop having BBQs and fires in the open, unless it’s in your own back garden.” He also thanked all the fire crews from across many counties who had assisted in tackling the fire and the partner agencies and voluntary groups for their support at an “extremely challenging incident.”

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