Wiltshire and Hampshire fire crews help tackle Dorset heath blaze

Wiltshire and Dorset fire crews were helped by Hampshire firefighters to tackle the heath fire, which was spreading quickly because of dry and windy conditions.

DWFRS had only just put an Amber wildfire alert in place across the region, urging people not to have barbecues or campfires on heathland or open countryside.

Firefighters were called to White Sheet plantation at 4:48pm to a fire that involved 200m x 200m of heathland.

By 8pm crews from Wimborne, Ferndown, Poole, Swanage, Verwood, Christchurch, Sturminster Newton, Blandford and Redhill Park attended.

They were joined by 4×4 appliances from Wimborne, Ferndown and Ringwood; water carriers from Ringwood and Poole; a support appliance from Hamworthy; and the Unimog from Wareham.

Locals are being urged to avoid the area while the firefighting operation continues.

Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue said on Monday evening that the cause of the fire was unknown.

The blaze was under control by 10pm with two fire crews staying on scene overnight.

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• dwfrs
• heath fire
• amber wildfire