SCORES of firefighters have returned to Wareham Forest to tackle the blaze which has been fanned by strong winds.

The fire service says more than 150 firefighters are back on the scene attempting to bring flare ups under control.

Smoke has reportedly travelled as far as Bournemouth, Poole, Ferndown and Wimborne.

Crews from various fire stations across Dorset have been working at the scene all week attempting to tackle hotspots and flare ups after the intial blaze was brought under control on Monday.

A Facebook post on Friday afternoon by Bridport Fire Station said: "Bridport along with various other stations have been trying to keep on top of the hotspots and flare ups all day in Wareham Forest.

"The wind is causing problems and the incident commander has now put an assistance message in to “make pumps 15” and requested a helicopter from Wales to assist."

Residents have reported seeing smoke rising from the site throughout Friday afternoon, with winds drifting it across the region towards Lytchett Matravers.

A Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service spokeswoman said: "We have over 150 firefighters back on scene today trying to keep on top of the hotspots and flare ups that are being caused by the high winds in the area fanning the fire.

"The smoke plume has once again travelled as far as the Bournemouth, Poole, Ferndown and Wimborne areas."

As reported, the initial blaze, which broke out on Monday, has damaged around 190 hectares of land at Wareham Forest.

At its height earlier this week, fire front stretched across three kilometers and needed more than 150 firefighters to bring it under control.