Large field fire near Bransgore spreads to nearby property
A fire believed to have started from a bonfire or self-heating garden compost spread rapidly across fields and properties near Bransgore this afternoon.
The blaze, reported at around 2:30 pm, generated approximately 20 emergency calls. It affected around five acres of fields and hedgerows before reaching four neighbouring homes.
Crews from Hampshire and Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Services responded in Bockhampton, supported by specialist vehicles from Portchester, Eastleigh, Lyndhurst, and the Incident Command Unit from headquarters.
The fire affected the neighbouring properties as follows:
- Property One: Suffered superficial damage to gutters and soffits, but the garden was completely destroyed.
- Property Two: Lost its entire garden to the fire.
- Property Three: Sustained damage to its garden fence.
- Property Four: The most severely affected, with the garden, conservatory, and rear of the house completely destroyed. Fortunately, a closed fire door between the rear extension and the main house prevented the fire from spreading further, demonstrating the importance of keeping internal doors closed to limit fire damage.
Multiple hoses, jets, and compressed foam systems were used to bring the fire under control. The fire is now fully extinguished, and crews will return in the morning to carry out further community safety activities.
The hot weather made conditions extremely challenging, and firefighters worked tirelessly to contain and extinguish the blaze. We would like to thank the local community for their patience, support, and cooperation throughout the incident.
Reduce the risk of wildfire damage to your property with our top tips.
HIWFRS Safety Warning: Bonfires
Bonfires can be hazardous if not managed safely. Always follow these guidelines to reduce risk and prevent accidents.
- Use a metal incinerator bin and position it well away from houses, sheds, fences, and trees
- Follow advice on what materials should not be burned
- Always stay with your bonfire and keep water nearby
- Ensure the fire is completely out before leaving; damp thoroughly with plenty of water
For more safety tips, visit our Bonfire Safety page.
LIVE FEED IS NOW CLOSED
*UPDATE 18:00*
The incident is now being scaled down, with two fire engines and an off-road vehicle set to relieve the firefighters who were first on the scene and continue to dampen down.
*UPDATE 17:15*
There are currently around 60 firefighters working hard in the heat to stop the fire in Bransgore.
The fire, which is approximately five acres in size, has impacted upon a property and nearby hedgerows and fences.
A number of residents have been evacuated and are being supported by welfare teams.
Hose reels, jets and specialist foam are in use to extinguish the fire.
A bonfire* near Brangsore has spread to involve a large field and property, with firefighters currently on the scene.
Alerted at around half two this afternoon, crews from Hampshire and Dorset arrived in Bockhampton following around 20 emergency calls.
We are asking people to avoid the area due to the number of fire engines in attendance, with police helping to manage local traffic.
Nearby properties have been evacuated with no casualties reported.
Fire engines from New Milton, Fordingbridge and across Dorset and Wiltshire FRS are currently on the scene and are being supported by specialist vehicles from Portchester, Eastleigh, Lyndhurst and the Incident Command Unit from HQ.
*Post incident fire investigation showed likely cause of fire as either bonfire or self-heating garden compost spread
