04-07-2025
Firefighters tackle heath blaze overnight
Firefighters have spent the night tackling a wildfire at a nature reserve.
The fire near Blackhill Road, Holton Heath near Poole broke out on Thursday evening with crews from nine stations along with two Unimog vehicles from Wareham sent.
Crews have worked through the night to get the fire under control with firefighters from Poole, Springbourne, Bere Regis and Wimborne sent to take over shortly after 06:00 BST.
Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service said crews expected to be at the heath through Friday with those living nearby urged to keep windows and doors closed as it is causing a considerable amount of smoke.
St Gabriel's Pre-school on nearby Keysworth Road said children would not be playing outside as the smoke from the heath fire was blowing towards the school.
It said it would be keeping windows and doors closed as advised.
Posting a message to parents on social media shortly before 07:30, the school said the temperature in the rooms was "already at 22C
"It's going to be will leave the decision with you if you want to send your children in. We of course will allow early collection if you want them to do part day.
"We do hope in the next couple of hours things change and we will be able to play out or have the doors open."
On Tuesday evening a wildfire took hold of an area of Turbary Heath in Bournemouth.
The fire at the nature reserve is being treated as arson and police are investigating.
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