Salisbury Plain is on fire again – just 24 hours after the flames were extinguished.
On Thursday (14 July), the military announced that four huge wildfires were put out successfully but despite their efforts to dampen down the site, the blaze has reignited.
Last night (Friday, 15 July), the fire was raging again – this time moving deeper into the impact area. The location of the fire means it cannot be tackled safely due to the risk posed by unexploded ordnance.
A smoke plume is likely to affect people in the area. At present, people living in the Netheravon, Durrington and Amesbury areas are most affected.
In a statement, the military said: “The impact area has reignited.
“Unfortunately, it seems to be moving deeper into the range which means that we will be unable to tackle it.
“It is being monitored to ensure it doesn’t make it out of the boundary.”
So far, approximately 2,000 acres (800 hectares) have been left severely charred by the fire.
A spokesperson for Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service said: “We are aware that some areas of Salisbury Plain have re-ignited and we are liaising with the MOD.
“We are unable to assist at this time as we cannot safely extinguish the fires due to their location but we will continue to monitor the situation.”
