NATIONAL Trust rangers have issued a safety warning after an illegal campfire almost started a major blaze on Studland Heath.

The abandoned campfire sparked a fire which spread to nearby heather and gorse at a remote spot near on the nature reserve near Little Sea.

Reserve rangers, who are trained to fight small heath fires, spotted the smoke and were able to bring the blaze under control without calling Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service for assistance.

The drama, which unfolded on Wednesday, has prompted National Trust bosses to remind visitors that camp fires are prohibited on the national nature reserve. Barbecues are only allowed at designated areas on Studland Beach.

Studland Heath lead ranger Paul Bradley said: "It is only thanks to sheer luck and the vigilance of our rangers that this did not become a major incident which could have destroyed 30 or 40 hectares of heathland.

"Studland Heath is particularly vulnerable at this time of year as the resident reptiles are active and there are ground nesting birds about.

"Our heathland is precious and can take decades to recover from a major fire. Please be responsible, observe the regulations designed to protect the countryside and if you spot smoke dial 999 straight away."

The fire occurred within half a mile of an area which is still recovering from the last major heath fire in Studland, which happened four years ago, and could have threatened cattle grazing nearby as part of the heathland conservation programme.