'Staggering' to find BBQ and campfire at heart of Studland fire
Crews have left the scene, almost four days after the blaze started
Last updated 15th Aug 2022
Almost four days after it started, crews have now left the scene of a large heath fire on Studland.
At the height of the blaze, 90 firefighters from across Dorset and Hampshire were called to the scene.
Five hectares of National Trust nature reserve has been badly damaged.
It looks like the cause was a disposable BBQ and campfire, both of which are banned on the peninsula.
Group Manager Brad Stevens said: “This was a difficult and protracted fire to bring under control, and I cannot praise enough our crews for their hard work in extremely hot conditions.
"Thanks must go to the Salvation Army, for looking after us so well across the weekend; to the National Trust, the Sandbanks chain ferry and the Coastguard for their support throughout the incident; and also colleagues at Dorset Council, BCP Council and Dorset Police – this truly was a multi-agency effort, with many other partners from within the Local Resilience Forum also being involved at various levels.”
While the majority of people enjoying the sunshine at Studland over the weekend cooperated fully with the necessary restrictions put in place to keep them and firefighters safe, there were some who ignored the ‘no parking’ signs and even moved hose.
GM Stevens said: “To have found evidence of a campfire and disposable barbecue at the heart of the fire was staggering, given the ban in that location, the many signs around the area, and the on-going media focus on the tinder-dry conditions and fire risk.
"To then have that exacerbated by people ignoring the parking restrictions and even moving our equipment to make way for their cars was unbelievable. Parking fines were issued in many cases, and some cars were towed away, but we must again urge people to be aware of what is happening around them, and to work with us when incidents like this happen.”
Although rain is expected this week, the dry conditions mean even the smallest fire will spread far more quickly than usual, so the safest thing is to avoid the risk entirely wherever possible.
Fire safety top tips
• Don’t have barbecues or campfires on heath or in open spaces; the risk of a fire starting is too great. Barbecues and campfires are actually banned in many country parks, campsites and open spaces, so make sure you check what is and isn’t allowed where you are, and follow the rules.
• An easy way to stay safe is to #BringAPicnicNotABBQ – picnics, or using local cafés etc, is far safer.
• Extinguish cigarettes properly, and don’t throw cigarette ends on the ground or out of car windows – take your litter home.
• If you see a fire in the countryside, get to a safe place and call 999 to report it immediately to the Fire & Rescue Service. Please provide as much detail as possible about location – the What3Words or other location apps can help – and wait for help to arrive.