Fire crews battle blazes in Dorset and Scotland as 'extreme' wildfire risk remains

3 April 2025, 12:03 | Updated: 3 April 2025, 14:50

Firefighters are battling wildfires in parts of the UK as emergency services warn of an "extreme" risk due to warm, dry weather.

Moors Valley Country Park on the Dorset-Hampshire border remains closed after being hit by multiple wildfires since Monday.

Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service (DWFRS) said crews were called to the park again on Wednesday after more hotspots were discovered during a reinspection near Ringwood.

Several hectares of woodland have been destroyed. No injuries have been reported.

A spokesperson for DWFRS said: "The cause is still unknown at this time."

Firefighters also responded to two more major wildfires overnight.

The first fire broke out at Upton Heath, near Poole in Dorset, just before 11.45pm on Wednesday, spreading across more than 37 acres.

Crews were then called to a second blaze at nearby Canford Heath at around 5.30am on Thursday, which covered six acres.

Both fires have since been brought under control, with teams continuing to damp down hotspots.

Harvey Pocklington, 19, who lives three miles away from the blaze at Upton Heath, said he feared the fire could be a danger to life.

"I'm shocked and saddened for the wildlife, and I'm pleased nobody was hurt," he said.

Rachel Hussey, 38, captured footage of the fire at Canford Heath at around 5.45am and described the sky as "so red".

She said: "As we left for work, we drove straight past the blaze by Mannings Heath roundabout. It looked fresh.

"We had heard about the Upton fire, but knew that it was in the wrong direction, and we were too far away to see it. It must have happened just before we left the house."

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In Scotland, crews have been tackling a large grass fire at Gartur Moss in Port of Menteith, Stirling.

The alarm was raised around noon on Wednesday, with the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) saying the blaze stretched half a kilometre.

It added that a "very high to extreme" risk of wildfire remains in place across the country until Monday and urged the public not to light fires outdoors.

Michael Humphreys, SFRS wildfire lead, said: "It is crucial that people understand the impact of careless fire-setting.

"Even with the best intentions, small fires can rapidly spread, causing devastating damage.

"If you light a campfire during high winds, high temperatures and low humidity, there is potential that it could get out of control.

"Always take steps to ensure your campfire is fully extinguished before you leave. Simple steps to act safely and responsibly is a must."

Crews have already extinguished a wildfire near Bonhill in West Dunbartonshire and another in the Kilpatrick Hills near Milngavie, East Dunbartonshire, earlier this week.

(c) Sky News 2025: Fire crews battle blazes in Dorset and Scotland as 'extreme' wildfire risk remains