Wareham Forest fire: New incident in different area of heath

Residents in the surrounding area were urged to keep windows and doors closed due to the amount of smoke rising from the blaze.

More than a dozen fire engines and other resources rushed to the scene yesterday afternoon.

Crews at the latest fire at Wareham Forest. Picture: Simon Rowley

Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service said the incident was in a different location from the devastating blaze they had been tackling for several weeks at Wareham Forest.

We are in attendance at a fire in #Wareham forest. New fire, new location but #Sugarhill has been closed. Significant amount of smoke in the area so keep windows and doors closed. 10 fire engines and other resources in attendance. We will be here all day. @DWFireControl pic.twitter.com/FqEvKcnGOV

— Dorset&Wiltshire FRS (@DWFireRescue) June 8, 2020

A DWFRS spokeswoman said: "Firefighters were called to the scene at 12.20pm and found approximately 1.25 hectares alight. Twelve fire appliances, three water carriers, two Land Rover pumps and a Unimog are currently on site, with approximately 75 firefighters.

"While the flame front was extinguished, a considerable damping down operation is underway and this is likely to continue for at least a day, depending on the weather conditions."

More than a dozen fire engines and other resources attended the scene. Picture: Simon Rowley

Support was given by Forestry England staff, however, it appeared that the Site of Special Scientific Interest is unaffected.

A fire investigation was due to be carried out.