FIREFIGHTERS were called to Boscombe Overcliff Drive twice on Tuesday night to battle two fires.

A spokesman for Dorset Fire and Rescue service said they received around 30 calls about the first blaze from members of the public which occured at 8.40pm.

The fire, located between the Commodore pub and the Portman Ravine zigzag, was extinguished at 9.09pm but at around 10.10pm crews were called back to the scene.

 

It is not known if the second blaze is connected with the first, which was in a similar location but on the other side of the path.

The spokesman said at the time of the first fire: "Two crews from Westbourne and Christchurch are in attendance at a large area of undergrowth and grass alight near the Commodore pub."

The smoke was visible for some distance and many beach goers and residents stopped to watch the firefighters in action.

The first fire was 30x30m and the second covered an area of 20x20m and was extinguished using one main line.

The second fire was under control by 10.47pm. 

One eyewitness, Steve Williams, said: "Good work by the fire brigade to bring this under control so quickly.

"It could have been much worse and the area is home to rare lizards and countless other animals including many foxes."

The cause of both fires was believed to be accidental.