Studland heath fire started by bonfire that got out of control

A fire that destroyed a large area of heathland at Studland was started accidentally by a bonfire

Author: Maria GreenwoodPublished 2nd Dec 2021
Last updated 2nd Dec 2021

It's now known how a major heath fire that broke out in Studland on Tuesday evening started.

Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service have confirmed to Greatest Hits Radio Dorset the cause was 'accidental and spread from a bonfire.'

Firefighters from across the county were called to Godlingston Heath to tackle the blaze on the nature reserve owned by the National Trust.

The impact of the fire on the nature reserve

A large area of heathland was destroyed.

Tackling the blaze was made more difficult due to the strong winds.

Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue asked people to avoid the area, and told residents to keep their windows shut because of the smoke.

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