Heath fire started deliberately, fire service says

Firefighters have put out a blaze on heathland in Dorset, which is believed to have been started deliberately.

Crews were called to Cannon Hill Plantation in Wimborne at about 19:25 BST on Sunday where about 600sqm was alight.

Local crews called for assistance, including a heavy off-road appliance and firefighting Land Rovers from Poole and Verwood.

Dorset and Wiltshire Fire Service said the incident had been reported to police.

On Saturday, the fire service issued an appeal to remind people of the barbecue ban on Dorset's heathlands, urging them to take rubbish home and to carefully dispose of smoking materials.

A Facebook post said: "Even after all the rain, wildfires are still a risk.

"The ground might be wet but the vegetation dries out quickly and can still catch alight.

"We all have a part to play in protecting our beautiful open spaces."

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