Firefighters tackle heath fires at nature reserves

Firefighters have been tackling two fires on heathland at nature reserves.

The first, at Upton Heath in Poole, Dorset, broke out shortly before 23:45 BST and engulfed over 126 acres (51 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, crews worked to dampen down hotspots and left the scene by late morning. Crews remain at the Upton Heath fire.

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

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

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.

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