Firefighters tackle heath fires at nature reserves

Published 2 months ago• 2 minute read

Firefighters are tackling two fires on heathland at nature reserves in Poole, Dorset.

The first, at Upton Heath, broke out shortly before 23:45 BST and covered over 37 acres (15 hectares).

Shortly before 05:30, crews were sent to a second fire across about six acres (2.4 hectares) at nearby Canford Heath.

Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service said the Canford Heath blaze was out at about 07:00, with crews working to dampen down hotspots and the Upton Heath fire had been surrounded.

Firefighters spraying water on a large expanse of blackened, smoking ground, with winding paths and shrubs visible in the distance. — Crews remain at the fire at Canford Heath to continue damping down [DWFRS]

The fire service said relief crews were being brought in at Upton Heath with further support from Hampshire & Isle of Wight Fire & Rescue Service.

It added an inspection to establish where firefighting needed to continue was being carried out.

Yellow flowers on heathland with fire seen among trees in the distance. — The fire service said multiple crews were also at a fire at Canford Heath in the early hours [DWFRS]

The Upton Heath reserve is recognised internationally for the rarity of its wildlife, including the smooth snake and sand lizard.

The 850 acres (344 hectares) of Canford Heath are a designated Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI).

Wildfires also broke out in Moors Valley Country Park on Monday and near its main entrance on Tuesday afternoon.

The country park near Ringwood on the Dorset and Hampshire border remains closed.

The fire service had warned people earlier in the week to take care outdoors during the dry weather with an amber wildfire alert in place across its area.

The causes of the fires are not yet known.