A LARGE fire at a solar farm spread after firefighters were initially unable to get to the scene due to “poor parking” by members of the public.
Firefighters spent around three hours tackling a fire involving a large area of grass measuring 150m x 100m off St Michael’s Road in Verwood on Monday afternoon, July 11.
Verwood Fire Station said crews were “significantly delayed” due to parking along two roads resulting in the appliance having to seek an alternative route.
Posting on social media, a spokesperson for Verwood Fire Station said: “Verwood’s main pump and L4T were both mobilised to a large fire at the solar farm.
"The pump was significantly delayed due to the poor parking along Margards Lane and Howe Lane.
"The pump had to reverse and seek an alternative route to the fire. This allowed the fire to spread further.“
Fire crews from Verwood, Ferndown and Wimborne attended, together with small 4x4 appliances from Verwood, Ringwood and Cranborne, and a water carrier from Poole
Fire crews were called to the scene at 2.43pm and crews left the scene by 6pm.
Some of the solar panels were damaged by the fire.
People have been urged to park more considerately following the incident.
The spokesperson added: “With the weather forecasting continued extreme hot weather, the fire service would like to remind the public not to park inappropriately or block access points to heathland and to please consider how their parking may impact emergency vehicles.”
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