MORE than 60 firefighters tackled a huge blaze at a Dorset plantation last night.

Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue crews were helped by firefighters from Hampshire to tackle the fire at Whitesheet Plantation near Wimborne.

More than 50 firefighters tackled a large heathland fire at Whitesheet Plantation near Wimborne on Monday April 5 2020. Pictures: Simon Rowley

More than 60 firefighters tackled a large heathland fire at Whitesheet Plantation near Wimborne on Monday April 5 2020. Pictures: Simon Rowley

Roadworks to start today on one of Dorset's busiest roads

A total of 10 fire engines, six Land Rovers and two water carriers were called to the scene at 4.48pm.

The fire involved around 200m x 200m of heathland.

Fire crews from Wimborne, Ferndown, Poole, Swanage, Verwood, Christchurch, Sturminster Newton, Blandford and Redhill Park attended.

They were joined by 4X4 pumps from Wimborne, Ferndown and Ringwood, along with water carriers from Ringwood and Poole, a support crew from Hamworthy and the Unimog from Wareham. 

People were urged to avoid the area as firefighters tackled the fire.

Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service said on Monday evening that the cause of the fire was not yet known. 

The fire was under control by around 10pm with two fire crews remaining on the scene overnight.Â