A LARGE fire has been spotted in the New Forest.
But, locals have been told not to worry about the blaze, at Whitefield Moor, off Rhinefield Road, Brockenhurst, as it has been deliberately started by fire crews as part of a training exercise.
Photographs and video from the scene show flames and a huge plume of smoke blowing over the surrounding countryside.
A spokesperson for the fire service said: "I can confirm this is a controlled burn and Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service have joined our team today as it enables them to build on practical experience and knowledge of fire behaviour on heathlands and how to tackle them in a wildfire situation."
Wildfire near Whitefield Moor #Newforest earlier. Fire Brigade attending. Could be "controlled" burning? @BBCSouthWeather @itvmeridian @dailyecho pic.twitter.com/G6HbfJtIl2
— New Forest Weather (@newforestwx) February 12, 2021
A Forestry England spokesperson described it as controlled burning - a routine procedure in the Forest.
They added: "Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service have joined our team today as it enables them to build on practical experience and knowledge of fire behaviour on heathlands and how to tackle them in a wildfire situation."
Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service has been contacted for comment.
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