50 FIREFIGHTERS from across the county tackled a huge fire on Salisbury Plain yesterday afternoon.
A spokesperson from Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue confirmed that approximately 50 firefighters from crews from Salisbury, Pewsey, Devizes, Wilton, Sturminster Newton, Shaftesbury, Mere, Warminster, Hamworthy, Ludgershall and supporting crews from Hampshire attended.
They were called to the scene near the A303 at around 5.25pm.
Large smoke plume from #SalisburyPlain wildfire is starting to affect the a303. If you live in the area, please keep windows & doors closed. We know it’s warm, but this will prevent you breathing in smoke. If you’re driving along the a303 now or overnight, please take extra care. pic.twitter.com/5wJZUvdHyv
— Dorset&Wiltshire FRS (@DWFireRescue) July 7, 2022
Approximately 35 hectares of ground were extinguished using beaters and hose reel jets.
During this time, firefighters encouraged residents in the area to keep their windows shut and stay inside to not breathe in the smoke.
"We know it’s warm but please try to keep windows and doors closed to avoid inhaling fumes," Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue said on Twitter.
The stop message came in at 10:23pm and crews remained on the scene damping down until midnight.
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