Strong winds hamper efforts to tackle two large heath fires
Almost 150 firefighters were needed to extinguish the flames.
Last updated 4th May 2021
Strong winds have made conditions difficult for firefighters tackling two large heath fires in Dorset.
Around 50 firefighters dealt with two separate fires off Hurn Road at St Leonards and St Ives near Ringwood on Monday afternoon.
The fire, which affected 15 hectares of heath, is believed to have started accidentally.
Shortly before 3.00pm, around 90 firefighters were called to a heath fire at Boveridge Heath, to the west of Fordingbridge.
The fire affected almost 13 hectares of forestry plantation.
A reinspection was due to be carried out on Tuesday morning and the fire service said the cause was unknown.
Damien Bence of Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service, said: "Both of these incidents were incredibly resource intensive.
"We are grateful to colleagues in Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service for their support.
"The strong winds made the firefighting conditions very challenging, but progress was made with both fires, thanks to the hard work of crews."