A smoke plume can be seen for miles after a fire erupted on Salisbury Plain.
The blaze can’t be tackled by firefighters because it is located in the impact area, where there is a risk of unexploded munitions, it’s understood.
Smoke was first reported on Wednesday (1 July), but locals have confirmed that smoke is ever heavier today (Friday).
Residents in the Netheravon, Amesbury and Larkhill areas are widely affected, with the blaze located around six miles west of Enford.
An image captured by Webshots Photography showed raging flames at around 10pm yesterday.
‘Salisbury Plain is well and truly on fire’, the photographer said.
Adding: ‘It is inside the ‘impact zone’ which means it cannot be put out due to the risk of unexploded ordnance. This is why Amesbury and surrounding villages are smoked out!’
Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO) confirmed that they are monitoring the fire – with Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service on standby if it spreads outside the impact area.
In a statement about fire on Salisbury Plain generally, a spokesperson said: “Military fires on the training estate are not caused deliberately and usually start, and are contained, in the Range Danger Area (or Impact Zone). This is an area in the heart of the training area that is often out of bounds to the public.
“These areas are largely constructed with the potential for fires in mind and include stone tracks which act as a fire break to prevent the transfer of a fire onto the wider estate.
“Red flags fly during the day, and red lights are lit at night to let the public know when the area is out of bounds.
“Live munitions, fast moving vehicles, low flying aircraft and unmanned aerial vehicles are all used during live military manoeuvres and Range Danger Areas may contain unexploded military debris.
“Due to the dangerous nature of the Range Danger Area, fires that start there cannot be extinguished by the Fire Service or the MOD but must be left to burn out on their own. Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service are aware of the incident and ready to support if required.
“Where there is no threat to life or property we work closely with the local Council, Fire and Rescue Service and Public Health England to update the public on the situation and to advise on the best precautions to take.”
