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Firefighters tackle heath fires at nature reserves

Firefighters tackle heath fires at nature reserves

Yahoo03-04-2025
Firefighters are tackling two fires on heathland at nature reserves in Poole, Dorset.
The first, at Upton Heath, broke out shortly before 23:45 BST and covered over 37 acres (15 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 Upton Heath fire had been contained and the Canford Heath blaze was out at about 07:00, with crews working to dampen down hotspots.
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.
You can follow BBC Dorset on Facebook, X (Twitter), or Instagram.
Country park to remain closed after wildfires
Further wildfire hotspots tackled at country park
Large fire breaks out in country park forest
Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue
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