ABOUT 30 firefighters from two counties tackled a blaze which destroyed a large area of Hampshire heathland at the weekend.

The blaze broke out in Plumley Wood, near Ringwood, on Sunday afternoon.

Six fire engines, two Land Rovers and two water carriers were sent to the scene.

Ringwood Fire Station tweeted: "Large fire in the open. Multiple seats of fire over a wide expanse."

Crews from eight fire stations across Hampshire and Dorset – Beaulieu, Burley, Eastleigh, Ferndown, Fordingbridge, Lyndhurst, Southbourne and Verwood – tackled the flames.

Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service said the area was re-inspected yesterday morning but no burning areas or hot-spots were found.

  • Fire crews extinguished a heathland fire off West Overcliff Drive in Durley Chine on Saturday afternoon. The blaze covered an area of around 70 square metres near the car park.