Crews unable to attend fires on Salisbury Plain due to explosion risk
Several blazes in MOD training area
Last updated 12th Jul 2022
Fire crews have been unable to attend blazes on land used for military training on Salisbury Plain due to risks posed by unexploded ordnance.
Several fires are burning in the Salisbury Plain Training Area (SPTA) with live firing suspended in the area until they're extinguished.
A Ministry of Defence spokesperson said:
“There are several fires within the Salisbury Plain Training Area but they do not currently pose a risk to the general public.
“Due to the risk of unexploded ordnance, firefighters cannot enter the affected area. We are monitoring the fire and maintaining close communications with Dorset and Wiltshire Fire Service, who stand ready to assist should the fire spread beyond the impact area.”
Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue were able to assist at one blaze last night which has spread outside the red flag area.
Four engines and two water carriers were called to the scene near Enford.
With the smoke plume from the fires still billowing residents are being urged to close their doors and windows.
Locals say the smoke is drifting some distance.