THE wildfire that tore across Upton Heath at the weekend destroyed an area the size of four football pitches.

Experts say the cause of the blaze, which was tackled by 100 firefighters at its height, will probably never be known.

Sunday's fire, which was first reported mid-afternoon, could seen for miles, with thick grey smoke curling into the sky.

Yesterday, Dorset Wildlife Trust (DWT) confirmed the fire covered around three hectares, larger than first estimated while the incident was unfolding.

DWT communications officer Sally Welbourn said: "The fire on Dorset Wildlife Trust’s nature reserve, Upton Heath, is thought to cover about three hectares.

Bournemouth Echo:

"Whether this fire was started deliberately or by negligence is unclear, but we desperately urge the public to be mindful of the potential devastation that can be caused by a small spark on dry heathland during a heatwave.

"As with the Ferndown Common fire a few weeks ago, it will take the heathland years, possibly decades to recover.

"Our conservation officers are out today assessing the damage to Upton Heath and ensuring there are no more ‘hot spots’ which could flare up.

"A rescue effort for wildlife will be attempted in the coming days and weeks.

"We would like to thank the fire crews from Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service (DWFRS) for their hard work putting out the fire."

Bournemouth Echo:

The Upton Heath fire took place just over a week after firefighters were stretched battling three separate fires around the conurbation on the same day, at Ferndown Common, Canford Heath and Ham Common.

DWT workers told the Echo they'll be remaining on site, dampening down any hot spots and monitoring the heath, for at least two days.

It is feared many of the small animals living on the heath would not have been able to escape the fire.

During the height of the Upton Heath fire 15 fire engines were deployed.

The NPAS helicopter also provided assistance, giving an aerial view of the incident.

Speaking to the Echo from the scene of the fire, DWFRS station manager Graham Kewley called for the public to be "extra vigilant."

He added: "Although we have had some rain and it is greener out there now, the ground underneath the surface is still very dry and it can spread so quickly."