Ministry of Defence monitoring fire on Salisbury Plain but can't put it out
Neither local firefighters nor MOD teams can attend the blaze as it's in a restricted area
Last updated 3rd Jul 2026
A significant fire has erupted in the impact zone of Salisbury Plain, according to reports from people living nearby.
The blaze was first reported on Thursday morning and witnesses noted an increase in smoke on Friday.
Devon and Wiltshire Fire & Rescue Service confirmed they were informed of the fire's location within the impact zone, a restricted area they cannot access.
The fire is being monitored by the Ministry of Defence’s Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO), who have suspended all firing into the impact area.
A spokesperson for DIO explained that military fires within training estates are usually unintended and typically confined within the Range Danger Area or Impact Zone.
This zone is a restricted region central to the training grounds and designed with fire prevention measures, including stone tracks that act as fire breaks.
Red flags during the day and red lights at night signal when the area is out of bounds to the public.
Given the presence of live munitions and potential unexploded military debris, neither the fire service nor the MOD can extinguish fires within this dangerous area, allowing them to burn out naturally.
Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service remain ready to offer support if required. Where there is no immediate threat to human life or property, collaboration with local councils, fire services and Public Health England ensures the public is adequately informed and advised on safety precautions.