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Large fire breaks out at forest and heath site

DWFRS The fire at Boveridge Heath with green ferns in the foreground and lots of trees - some pine with very thin trunks - in the background. The atmosphere is filled with thick smoke and deep orange flames are visible in several areasDWFRS
The fire had apparently been burning for some time before it was discovered

About 40 firefighters have been tackling an extensive forest and heath fire.

Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service (DWFRS) said it was called at 05:50 BST to Boveridge Heath, at the north end of Ringwood Forest near Verwood.

Crews from 10 fire stations across Dorset and Hampshire have been working in "dense foliage" with difficult access, DWFRS said.

It said the cause of the blaze, which had apparently been burning for some time before it was noticed, was not yet known.

DWFRS A close up of ferns on fire at Boveridge Heath with blackened ground and smokeDWFRS
Crews are working in an area of dense foliage, DWFRS said

Firefighters are using St Stephens Lane in Verwood as their main access point.

Crews have asked people to avoid the area in order to allow fire vehicles through quickly.

DWFRS said the fire, which covered just over one hectare (3 acres), had been contained although crews remained on the scene.

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