An area of Salisbury Plain potentially littered with unexploded ordnance is ablaze – but it could rage on for days as firefighters are unable to tackle it safely.
The fire broke out just south of Urchfont, near Devizes, at around midday yesterday. A smoke plume has spread across Wiltshire, and reaches as far as Swindon.
Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service is monitoring the incident alongside the military. It’s advising local residents to keep their windows and doors closed.
A spokesperson said: “We are working with military colleagues to deal with a fire on Salisbury Plain.
“We know it’s warm out but this incident is causing a lot of smoke so we’re urging local residents to keep windows and doors closed.”
Due to the location of the fire, crews are unable to battle the flames due to the significant risk of there being unexploded ordnance in the area.
The Ministry of Defence has confirmed it has suspended live firing exercises until the fire is out.
A spokesperson said: “We are tracking several fires within the Salisbury Plain Training Area and can confirm there is no risk to the public at this time.
“We are monitoring the fire and maintaining close communications with Dorset and Wiltshire Fire Service, who stand ready to assist should the fire spread beyond the impact area.”
