Amber Wildfire Alert Issued for Swindon and Wiltshire

The Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service has issued an Amber Wildfire Alert for Dorset, Wiltshire and Swindon, effective from 21 April 2026. The alert serves as a warning that current dry, warm weather has left ground and foliage parched, significantly increasing the risk that any fire could spread quickly across fields, heathlands, and cliffsides.

Group Manager Graham Kewley explained that while the warm conditions are pleasant, they create a heightened danger for accidental ignition. The fire service is urging residents to take extra precautions and is specifically encouraging the public to follow the #BringAPicnicNotABarbecue campaign. Many areas in the region already have bans in place regarding the use of disposable barbecues and campfires in the countryside.

This alert follows a series of fires in March 2026 that affected heathlands near Sandford and Wareham. Those incidents, which are being treated as suspicious, required a major response from over 60 firefighters deployed from 15 different stations. Such fires pose a severe threat to local wildlife, particularly as they occur during the spring season when reptiles are just emerging from hibernation.

The current warning comes as the fire service is conducting a public consultation regarding plans to close up to eight on-call fire stations, including locations such as Maiden Newton, Bradford on Avon, and Wilton. This consultation is scheduled to run until 15 May 2026. Concerns have been raised by some regarding the potential impact these closures could have on the ability of crews to respond to emergencies, noting that the Maiden Newton station was among those called to assist during the major fires in March.

The public is asked to remain vigilant and report any signs of fire or smoke immediately by calling 999. Organisations such as the Dorset Heaths Partnership continue to work on wildfire prevention and habitat protection efforts across the region.