A surge in wildfires this summer has placed Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service (DWFRS) under immense strain, with firefighters battling a record-breaking number of incidents and stretched resources

Since the beginning of 2025, DWFRS have attended over 900 grassland, woodland and crop fires. This already the same amount as the entire of their previous record year, 2022. Extended dry spells, heatwaves, and high winds have created the perfect conditions for wildfires to ignite and spread rapidly.

Chief Fire Officer Andy Cole said: “This summer has been one of the most challenging for wildfires that we've ever faced. Our firefighters have been working around the clock in arduous conditions, often for days at a time, to protect lives, homes, and our natural environment.

In addition to the physical toll on crews, the increased frequency and intensity of wildfires have strained resources, such as equipment and finances. A major incident was called at Holt Heath, Dorset and national assets were then deployed to support frontline efforts.

CFO Cole added: “The major incident at Holt Heath and a spate of wildfires across our Service area, highlight the need for better funding across the sector and I am supporting the National Fire Chiefs Council’s call for this. We also took the opportunity recently to respond to the Government’s Fire Funding Review consultation. Their proposals, if implemented, could result in the reduction of up to 2,300 firefighter posts nationally, and would leave Services like ours even worse off than we are now.

He added: “We are already facing the possibility of having to close fire stations to address the deficit we currently hold – and that’s before these new proposals are considered. At present, 75% of our income comes from council tax, and the average household across the four authorities we serve contributes £1.76 per week to their fire and rescue service. If we were allowed to increase this to £1.95 per week, it would make a significant difference to our financial position making us more sustainable and ensuring our ability to keep the communities of Dorset & Wiltshire safe.

DWFRS are urging the public to take preventative steps to reduce the risk of wildfires starting. This includes

• Avoid having open fires or using barbecues in the countryside. Disposable barbecues and campfires are actually banned in many parts of Dorset.
• Extinguish smoking materials properly, and don’t throw cigarette ends on the ground or out of car windows – take your litter home.
• If you see a fire in the countryside, report it immediately to the Fire & Rescue Service. Early detection can prevent it from developing into a large wildfire incident.
• When calling the Fire & Rescue Service:
  • Get to a safe place;
  • Note the fire location (apps such as What3Words can help if you’re not sure);
  • Call 999;
  • Meet the Fire & Rescue Service at the access point.
• Don’t attempt to tackle fires that can’t be put out with a bucket of water – leave the area as quickly as possible.
• If you’re at the beach, don’t set off flares, have campfires or light barbecues as these can easily lead to gorse and foliage on the cliffs catching fire.

Landowners and land managers are advised to be prepared for fires, where possible. Please ensure that fire breaks are cut and well maintained, with any cut grasses and vegetation removed from the site.

More information on staying safe and enjoying outside areas whilst avoiding starting a wildfire can be found at www.dwfire.org.uk/heath-fires-and-countryside-safety

Finally, CFO Cole added: “We’re calling on everyone to do their part, even small actions can prevent a devastating wildfire from starting.”