FIREFIGHTERS were called to a substantial heathland blaze at a Bournemouth beauty spot.

The fire destroyed one hectare of heathland, roughly equivalent to one-and-a-half football pitches - at Hengistbury Head.

Firefighters rushed to the area in the morning after a member of the public spotting smoke and flames close to the cliff edge.

Crews from Christchurch, Poole and Redhill fire stations acted quickly to contain the fire, which was well underway by the time they arrived on scene and took around an hour to extinguish using hose reel jets and beaters.

Following investigations, Dorset Fire & Rescue Service (DFRS) said the cause was not thought to be deliberate.

Speaking from Hengistbury Head, Christchurch Fire Station watch manager Dave Smith said: "Crews worked really, really hard to get the main fire front out and stop it spreading quickly, then we just worked our way along the flanks.

"These types of fires they do spread very, very quickly. We would like to make people aware, especially at this time of year, to be careful out on the heathland."

Three fire engines attended the incident, along with a Land Rover.

Crews remained on scene for some time afterwards dampening down and the area was reinspected late afternoon/early evening.

A DFRS spokesman confirmed the fire was located on the seaward side of the cliffs at Hengistbury Head.

The spokesman also confirmed the fire service was called at 10.20am and upon arrival a hectare of heath was well alight.

Earlier this week DFRS and the Urban Heaths Partnership called for people to act as their eyes and ears in a bid to combat the scourge of deliberately set fires, which traditionally increase at this time of year.

DFRS community safety officer Gaynor Mant said: "I cannot stress enough how important it is to take extra care when enjoying our heaths and open spaces.

"If you are a smoker, extinguish them fully before disposing of them. Never just throw them away lit. Similar to throwing them out of car windows, the result could be 50 or 100 firefighters tackling the subsequent blaze."