Heath blaze at Godlingston Heath National Nature Reserve, Studland (From Bournemouth Echo)

Heath blaze at Godlingston Heath National Nature Reserve, Studland

4:29pm Tuesday 16th March 2010 in

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AROUND 70 firefighters are battling a heath fire near Isle of Purbeck Golf Course.

Nine fire engines and seven Landrovers are currently at Godlingston Heath National Nature Reserve, Studland.

Dorset Fire service said the four acres of land are 'well-alight' and the fire front is 500 metres wide.

Crews are using the golf club, on Corfe Road, to access the fire, which is not yet under control. The fire is believed to have been caused by a bonfire that got out of hand.

Crews arrived on scene around 3.45pm and are using pumps and beaters on the flames.

The heath is one of only 35 'spotlight' reserves designated by Natural England, and is home to endangered species including the sand lizard and smooth snake.

There have been several recent fires there including one at Ballard Down in October.

The most devastating recent fire was in May 2008, when 29 fire engines were needed to put out a fire that destroyed 250 acres.

A golf club employee said: “It looks like it’s headed towards Poole at the moment.

“I can’t see any flames from there but there’s a lot of smoke.”

A National Trust warden on the scene confirmed it was large fire but was too busy helping the fire service with the blaze to comment further.

Do you have pictures, or have you seen the fire? Email newsdesk@bournemouthecho.co.uk.