The military plan to drop tonnes of water over Salisbury Plain in a bid to tackle the wildfires.
Helicopters will be loaded with water before it is dropped in the vicinity of the flames this afternoon and evening (Wednesday, 13 July).
The aircraft won’t unload water immediately over the wildfires across the training area due to this location because of the explosion risk.
“This afternoon and early evening a helicopter will be dropping water around the periphery of the impact area”, a Ministry of Defence spokesperson said.
Adding: “They cannot drop water directly over the impact area as it requires low flying, which would put the crew at risk if unexploded ordnance were to be set off by the heat.
“More water will be dropped tomorrow and this may continue into Friday. This is unlikely to put the fire out but will assist in containment.”
Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service remain on scene, assisting where safe to do so.
Yesterday afternoon (Tuesday, 12 July), soldiers could be seen marching towards the flames armed with fire beaters and leaf blowers in a bid to stop the spread.
A public byway past the scene on the training area between Urchfont to Upavon has been closed due to a significant smoke plume and risk to the public.
READ ON: Public byway closed as FOUR huge wildfires continue to rage on Salisbury Plain
