Land managers from across Dorset attended a one-day wildfire training event organised by the Dorset Heaths Partnership and led by a wildfire tactical adviser from Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service (DWFRS). The practical session came amid hot, dry conditions and growing concern about the threat of field and heath fires.
Purpose of the training
The day focused on two heath fires that formed the core of a major incident in 2025. Participants visited Newton Heath, near Swanage, and Holt Heath, near Wimborne, to review how the fires behaved on each site, examine the different factors that affected firefighting efforts and discuss lessons learned. The programme also covered how partner organisations can assist DWFRS during a large incident and approaches to site recovery.
Who attended
The annual event brought together representatives from a range of local organisations involved in heath and land management, emergency response and wildlife conservation. Those taking part included:
- Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service (DWFRS)
- BCP Council
- Dorset Wildlife Trust
- National Trust
- Forestry England
- Dorset Dogs
- Amphibian and Reptile Conservation Trust
- Talbot Village Trust
- Dorset Heaths Partnership staff
Practical lessons and local implications
Participants examined specific operational issues from the 2025 incident, including on-site fire behaviour differences, access challenges and resource needs. The training highlighted the practical ways land managers can support firefighting efforts during major incidents, such as supplying tractors and water bowsers or providing precise site-access references to crews.
“We hold fire training days every year for land managers within the partnership, and it was felt lessons learned from the 2025 major incident would have real worth,” said Paul Attwell, team manager at Dorset Heaths Partnership.
Attwell added that understanding small but critical details – for example, the What3Words reference for access points – was particularly valuable for land managers seeking to help firefighters when incidents occur. He also thanked DWFRS for their continued support in delivering the training.
Sites reviewed
| Site | Location | Purpose of visit |
|---|---|---|
| Newton Heath | Near Swanage | Examine fire behaviour and operational challenges |
| Holt Heath | Near Wimborne | Review suppression tactics and site recovery |
The training is part of an ongoing collaboration between statutory and voluntary bodies to improve readiness for wildfire across Dorset’s heaths and open land. With weather conditions remaining dry and the risk of wildfires elevated, organisers said continuing joint exercises and information-sharing will be important to protect habitats, property and public safety.
