RESIDENTS and businesses were praised by firefighters for their support during Thursday’s wildfires.

Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service Watch Manager Andy Stirling said: “We’ve had the Salvation Army up here supporting us, coming to feed us, and members of the public also providing coffee, tea and food.”

Neighbours helped by keeping access routes clear and providing food, as firefighters tackled flames throughout the night.

Mr Stirling, said: “I’d also like to thank local companies such as Pizza Hut, Tesco and McDonald’s, who all supplied us with food. As a fire service we rely on members of the public, and we’d like to show our appreciation for what they have done, and what they did for us in the day on Thursday.”

Tina Shave, of the Salvation Army Emergency Response Unit, which supplied food and drinks, said: “During any major emergency incident we will put together a team as quickly as possible.”

Donate to Winton Salvation Army to support the emergency response unit.