A major heath fire off the A338 Spur Road is believed to have been started deliberately, the fire service has said. 

Over 75 firefighters tackled the blaze on Tuesday which has affected some 3.2 hectares of heath. 

Twleve fire engines, five 4x4 Land Rover pumps, a 4x4 unimog and two water carriers dealt with the fire at Town Common during its height.

Police closed one lane of the A338 southbound for almost seven hours as huge plumes of smoke billowed across the carriageway. 

The fire service took almost 150 emergency 999 calls relating to the blaze.

Although the exact cause of the fire is unknown, it was most likely started by a deliberate fire.

Area Manager Craig Baker, said: “This was a significant fire, requiring a lot of firefighting resources, and the smoke was very intense for some hours, which is why the A338 was partly closed.

"Our thanks go to our partner agencies who supported us during the incident, and also to affected drivers for their patience while we tackled this fire.”

“With a period of hot, dry weather being forecast, we would urge people to take real care when enjoying the sunshine in our beautiful countryside. If you do want a campfire or barbecue, please make sure that you’re in a safe area and that the ashes are fully extinguished and damped down before you leave.

“Large wildfires are thankfully rare but, when they do occur, they take a great deal of resources to bring under control, which impacts the availability of appliances for property fires and other emergencies. The damage to local wildlife is also significant, often destroying ecosystems that have taken years to build up.”

There were reports of delays of an hour as rush hour began.

The blaze took hold of a 100mx200m area of heathland at St Catherine’s Hill.

“Crews are dealing with a considerable heath fire by St Catherine’s Hill,” a fire service spokesperson said yesterday. 

“We have eight pumps, six off-road units, one water carrier, and four heavy duty off-road vehicles at the scene, as well as officers and support,” he said. 

“We received an initial call from a member of the public at 2.25pm, and received numerous calls from other members of the public, which we thank them for.”

Video by Yasemin Mirzaeva​

Fire engines continued to arrive at the scene throughout the afternoon.

They would stop in a layby off the Avon Causeway that led to Dudmoor Lane, where they would be filled with water before heading to the site of the fire.

Christchurch and East Dorset Councils comfirmed that firefighters had begun dampening down the site around 5.30pm. 

But it was anticipated that fire crews would remain at the site continuing to dampen down well into the night.

A spokesperson from the Amphibian and Reptile Conservation Trust, which jointly manages the land, said three representatives were at the scene.

They said they would provide an update on the level of damage caused once they could access the site.

In 2015, an area of the heathland equivalent in size to 100 football pitches was destroyed in a huge wildfire.

Around 80 firefighters tackled the blaze. Flames towered up to 35 feet in the air in places and strong winds fanned a 400-metre fire front at dangerous speeds.

Scores of dog walkers and ramblers were directed away by police. Residents living in Wimborne reported seeing smoke billowing into the sky.

Arsonists were behind the fire.

Ward councillor Margaret Phipps urged members of the public to keep away while firefighters worked yesterday. “It’s absolutely dreadful to hear this,” she said.

“I hope it’s not as serious as last time and that it’s quickly brought under control.”

Cllr Sue Spittle, Christchurch borough councillor for St Catherine’s and Hurn, went to look at the drama unfolding and to speak to ARC representatives and the council’s countryside officials.

“The fire crews had things under control and it was impressive to see them covering off the area in case the fire spread further. They did a terrific job as they always do,” she added.

As well as hour-long queues on the A338, motorists travelling through Christchurch also faced long delays. 

There were also reports of long queues near Bournemouth Airport.

The fire service has issued the following advice:

  • Avoid open fires in the countryside. If you must have a fire, make sure that you’re in a designated safe area.
  • Put out cigarettes and other smoking materials properly before you leave your vehicle.
  • Do not throw cigarette ends out of your vehicle. They could start a fire and destroy surrounding countryside.
  • Don’t leave bottles or glass in woodlands, as sunlight shining through the glass can cause a fire to start. Take the items home, or put them in a waste or recycling bin.
  • If you see a fire in the countryside, report it immediately. Do not try to tackle a fire yourself; usually they can’t be put out with a bucket of water. Please call the fire service on 999 and leave the area as soon as possible.
  • Ensure that you know your location or a landmark so you can direct the fire service.
  • Make sure you know the Countryside Code - www.gov.uk/government/publications/the-countryside-code