FIRE crews have been called back to Wareham Forest after reports of a number of flare-ups today.

The firefighting had been tapered down at the site in the past few days following the huge blaze on May 18, which ultimately damaged around 200 hectares of heath and woodland.

A Land Rover pump had been on site with a watching brief, however, the number of appliances on scene has been ramped back up.

Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service has sent six fire engines, two Land Rover Pumps, two water carriers, the Unimog from Wareham and a support unit this afternoon.

A fire service spokeswoman said: "As expected given the weather conditions, there have been a number of flare-ups within the forest today and we have mobilised additional resources to the scene to assist with damping down.

"We had a Land Rover pump there anyway on a watching brief, working alongside Forestry England patrols, and have now sent another two Land Rover pumps, six fire engines, two water carriers, the Unimog from Wareham and a support unit.

"This will allow us to deal with multiple areas at the same time."