Community Alert - Fire Safety

We are alerting you to an important community safety matter: Last weekend, dog walkers spotted smoke rising from the small copse at Holmead Walk Green. They found a den with smouldering logs and red embers, called 999 immediately, and the Fire Brigade arrived within fifteen minutes and dealt with the situation before it could spread. It could have been much more serious.

Stock image

The Duchy of Cornwall has since confirmed several encampments with evidence of campfires on the southern side of Poundbury this week, and has noted that open fires of any type, particularly bonfires and campfires, pose an unacceptable danger to the community.

Dorset is in a prolonged drought. The fire risk across the county — in fields, heathland, woodland, and domestic settings — is acute. Please: if you see smoke or smouldering anywhere, call 999 immediately. Don't wait and see. Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service would far rather attend a false alarm than arrive too late.

Thank you to Councillor William Gibbons for alerting us to the incidents and to the Duchy for their prompt follow-up.  And thank you for helping to keep Poundbury and our neighbouring areas safe.