New fire rages across heathland

Police believe arsonists are responsible

More than 60 firefighters have been tackling another major fire that has destroyed at least 15 hectares (37 acres) of Dorset heathland.

The blaze raged across Upton Heath on Saturday afternoon and is thought to have been started by arsonists.

A Dorset Fire spokeswoman said 15 engines and 10 land rovers were at the scene but it was now thought the blaze was under control.

Last month a fire destroyed 100 hectares (247 acres) of Canford Heath.

Fire crews will remain at Upton Heath throughout the night, the fire spokeswoman said.

At one point on Saturday it was thought four properties were at risk, and residents were evacuated from their homes for a short period of time.

"It's calming down now - we've got it under control I believe," she told the BBC News website.

Police investigation

"Firefighters will be there throughout the night damping down."

The blaze was spotted by the crew of the Dorset Police helicopter, which was returning from a search of Talbot Heath for illegal motorcyclists.

The fire has destroyed at least 15 hectares (37 acres) of heathland

Dorset Police believe the fire was started deliberately, possibly by local youths, and have begun an investigation.

In March, about 100 people were forced to leave their homes when a huge fire destroyed a vast area of Canford Heath.

A £1,000 reward is being offered in an attempt to catch the arsonists thought to be responsible.

The habitats of many rare birds and animals were destroyed.

Several other small heathland fires have also been started in the past month.