FEARS have been raised of another spate of heath fires after an arson attack on Poole’s Bourne Valley Nature Reserve.

Quickly spotted by vigilant residents, there were 40 calls to the emergency services to alert Dorset Fire and Rescue to the flames consuming the heathland.

The malicious fire, which police are investigating, broke out at 9pm on Wednesday and destroyed an area measuring 100m by 200m. Firefighters from Redhill, Westbourne and the Land Rover from Ferndown dealt with the flames, using two main lines and beaters.

Extinguished in around half-an-hour it was nevertheless close to houses and threatened wildlife, including a badger sett.

Resident Alison Mitchell, was among those who rang 999 after spotting the fire 100 yards from her home.

“It was dark and it was only because I had my curtains open, I saw it,” she said.

“It is the first fire of the season. I have lived here for 15 years now and it sickens me, to be honest. It’s a danger to everyone, including the wildlife.”

Ward councillor Tony Trent, a regular participant in the activities of the Alderney and Rossmore Safer Neighbourhood Team, said: “I am disappointed that a run of very few heath fires for a couple of years or more seems to have ended.

“The people who start fires deliberately not only endanger themselves, but endanger nearby residents as well, plus the wildlife, the presence of which is the reason why we still have beautiful open space in the area.”

Jez Martin, nature conservation officer, Borough of Poole, said the destroyed heathland, home to reptiles, insects and birds, could take up to 15 or 20 years to grow back.

“In addition we are very concerned about the effect this fire has had on the common species of lizard and a nearby badger sett.” And he praised prompt action by the fire service.

“Most fires are started deliberately, but we would also remind people to be aware of the dangers of dropping a lighted cigarette onto a dry heath. If anyone sees a fire we would urge them to contact the fire service immediately describing the location with as much information as possible,” he said.