Firefighters from Dorset and Hampshire fire services battle fire at Moors Valley Country Park
About 80 firefighters from crews across Dorset and Hampshire are fighting a blaze at Moors Valley Country Park this afternoon (Monday).
Dorset and Hampshire fire services were called at 11.53am to a “large fire” at a pine woodland measuring 400 metres by 500 metres at the leisure site near Ringwood.
Crews from Verwood, Ferndown, Poole, Amesbury, Springbourne, Redhill Park, Shaftesbury, Westbourne and Christchurch – with further personnel from Swanage and Bridport en route – are supporting Hampshire colleagues from Ringwood, Burley, Beaulieu, Eastleigh, Fordingbridge, Romsey, Redbridge, Portchester, St Mary’s and Southampton at the scene.
A spokesperson from Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue said: “There is currently an amber wildfire alert in place for the service area, and we urge people to take extra care while enjoying our open spaces in the sunshine.”
The Hampshire fire service said online: “Fortunately there have been no casualties reported, but we continue to ask that you avoid the area.”
A social media post by the park stated: “The park is currently dealing with an ongoing fire incident within an area of the Forest and is advising all visitors to avoid this area.
“If you are onsite today please stay safe and follow any recommendations from rangers or the fire service.”
It later added: “Whilst the fire service and site rangers continue to manage the ongoing fire incident within the Forest, the decision has been made to close the car park and to restrict access to the site, including the visitor centre and restaurant. Stay safe.”
A spokesperson from Dorset Police said officers were helping the fire services with traffic management.
Video: stunningdrone.com
