Moors Valley Country Park to close all day after second fire
It's the second fire in a few days.
Moors Valley County Park say they will remain closed today (Wednesday 2 April) after a second fire yesterday afternoon.
Dorset & Wiltshire Fire Service were called just after 2pm to reports of a fire in the open.
5\0 firefighters, and crews from Christchurch, Redhill Park, Wimborne, Poole, Westbourne, Verwood, two lightweight off-road vehicles from Verwood and Ferndown, alongside crew from Redbridge, Lyndhurst, and a water carrier from Ringwood (Hampshire & Isle of Wight FRS) were needed.
Firefighters used beaters, multiple hose reel jets and main lines to extinguish.
By late yesterday evening they say good progress had been made to bring the fire under control. Security patrols will take place over night to monitor the area and a reinspection is due to take place at 8am tomorrow (Wednesday 2 April).
Because of this second fire Moors Valley say they will be shut today:
"Due to the reignition of yesterdays fire and the close proximity of the second fire to our main entry road, Moors Valley will remain closed all day Wednesday 2nd April 2025.
The rangers will continue to patrol the forest and alongside the fire service, monitor the site. The car park, Visitor Centre, all onsite concessions and facilities will remain closed until further notice.
The park will reopen once it is deemed safe, and updates will be communicated via our website and social media channels.
Thank you for your understanding and continued support"
Fire crews say there is currently an Amber wildfire alert in place for the Service area, and they urge people to take extra care while enjoying our open spaces in the sunshine. Heath fires can occur at any time of year or time of day, and we advise everyone to remain vigilant.