"We're one spark away from major incident": Fire Service issues further wildfire warning
Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service says wildfires are among the most dangerous events to handle
Last updated 15th Jul 2026
Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service says it's one spark away from a major incident as continued dry weather risks wildfires.
The service has had dozens of call outs this week already as crews across the nation and in Europe battle flames in countryside areas.
"It's a very difficult period for us to manage," said Assistant Chief Fire Officer, Dave Waters, as he called for us to take care in natural spaces where the ground is very dry.
"This climate, the hot summers, the very dry conditions that we're seeing is our new norm. Fire services are seeing great difficulties in these challenges with resourcing and arduous work for our firefighters."
It's less than a year since wildfires on Holt Heath saw crews working around the clock for several days to contain the blaze which scorched over 72 hectares of land.
Dave said the challenge of handling a wildfire is far more dangerous than people believe.
He said: "The popular belief is that because it's outside and it's a fire outside, actually, it's safer than a, let's say, a structural fire or a building fire. And actually, it's quite the opposite. These are extremely dangerous situations and the ground is very uneven."
He told us that the terrain can lead to ankle and knee injuries for firefighters, placing even more strain on resources.
"More serious in that, the high temperatures, you know, can be risk of heat exhaustion for our staff. And then you've got the flame fronts, which can change extremely quickly in their direction because of the wind change, that can cause great difficulties in our fire crews manoeuvring across the land and or getting to safety," Dave added.
We're urged to avoid littering items like disposable barbecues and cigarettes, as well as avoiding any campfires or bonfires. Dave also warned that people going camping could trigger a wildfire by mistake by using their car on grassy areas.
"The catalytic converters and the exhaust create such heat that can ignite the very dry ground that we have. Honestly, we're only one ember or spark away from a major incident and that is really where fire services across the country are and where we were last year."
We're advised to take picnic's if spending time in the countryside and that any fires should be reported immediately via 999.