NEARLY 150 firefighters are tackling two heath fires across Dorset, with crews called from Hampshire as well.

Two heath fires broke out in the afternoon of Monday, in Verwood and St Leonards and St Ives.

And 140 firefighters are working to get the blazes under control, with 15 fire engines called.

People have been urged to stay away from the areas.

Bournemouth Echo: Heath fire breaks out in Verwood. Picture: Tom KnightHeath fire breaks out in Verwood. Picture: Tom Knight

A spokesperson for Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service said: “We are currently dealing with two large heath fires, with a significant attendance of crews from both Dorset & Wiltshire and also Hampshire & Isle of Wight fire and rescue services.

“The first incident started at 2.18pm off Hurn Road, St Leonards and St Ives, and involves two separate fires, one of approximately 200m by 150m and the other of approximately 300m by 200m.

Bournemouth Echo: Heath fires break out in Verwood. Picture: Tom KnightHeath fires break out in Verwood. Picture: Tom Knight

“We have fire engines on scene from Ringwood, Ferndown, Christchurch, Wimborne, Springbourne, Redhill Park, Swanage and Sturminster Newton, together with small 4x4 appliances from Ferndown, Ringwood and Christchurch, and water carriers from Ringwood and Poole and a unimog from Wareham. That’s approximately 50 firefighters.

“At 2.51pm, we were called to a rapidly developing fire at Boveridge Heath, Verwood with a front of approximately 200m.

Bournemouth Echo: Picture: Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue ServicePicture: Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service

“Currently in attendance are fire engines from Verwood, Cranborne, Fordingbridge, Redbridge, Poole, Christchurch, Wimborne, Westbourne, Botley, two from Eastleigh, Brockenhurst, New Milton, Romsey and Blandford, together with small 4x4 appliances from Verwood, Fordingbridge, Burley, Wimborne, Poole and Hamworthy, a water carrier from Wilton and a support appliance from Hamworthy – that’s approximately 90 firefighters.

“Both incidents are being badly affected by the strong winds, and local people are urged to stay away from these areas for their own safety.”

Bournemouth Echo: Heath fire breaks out in Verwood. Picture: Tom KnightHeath fire breaks out in Verwood. Picture: Tom Knight