WARNINGS have been issued by firefighters after flames destroyed heathland and woodland in several incidents yesterday.

Seven fire crews were called to a large fire in the open off Hurn Road at Avon Castle near Ringwood at 3am.

Crews from Verwood, Christchurch, Poole, Wimborne, Wareham, Burley and Ringwood attended.

Firefighters spent several hours damping down the area after putting out the fire.

Crews from Verwood were also called to Stephens Castle nature reserve after a camp fire spread to surrounding undergrowth.

Coastguards called as two women suffer broken bones in accidents

And Redhill Park firefighters were called to a fire in the open in the Bearwood area just after 7pm.

On arrival they called for further assistance and Land Rovers with pumping equipment were sent from Wimborne and Christchurch along with further pumps from Poole and Ferndown.

Crews used four hose reel jets and beaters to put out the fire, which covered an area of one hectare off Wheelers Lane.

A fire at Canford Heath was also extinguished.

A spokesman for Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue said: "Wild Fire level is at Amber meaning escalation is highly likely.

"Please, please no camp fires, no barbecues. Protect our amazing countryside."