FIREFIGHTERS have rushed to tackle a heath fire in east Dorset – the day after the fire service issued an amber wildfire alert.

Crews were called to the incident on Parley Common shortly before 12pm on Wednesday, March 23.

Three fire engines, two Land Rover pumps, a water carrier and a Unimog were sent to extinguish the blaze.

Dorset & Wiltshire Fire Control said crews were using two main lines and three hose reel jets to deal with the incident.

A spokeswoman for Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service said: "We were called to Parley Common at 11.48am following reports of a heath fire.

"Crews from Ferndown, Redhill Park and Poole, along with 4x4 pumping appliances from Wimborne and Ringwood, the Unimog from Wareham and a water carrier from Ringwood attended the incident which involved an area of heath measuring approximately 300m by 100m.

"The fire was extinguished using main lines and three hose reel jets – our stop came at 12.49pm but crews remain on scene damping down."

No details on the cause of the fire were available, the spokeswoman said.

As reported, Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service issued the first amber wildlife alert of the year on Tuesday, March 22.

Group manager Jason Moncrieff said: “While the warm and dry spring weather is very welcome after the winter, it does increase the risk of fires spreading quickly if something happens to cause ignition.

“We are urging local farmers to take extra care, as sparks from hot machinery can easily lead to a field catching fire, and we ask everyone enjoying our beautiful countryside and coastline to take extra care and be vigilant with anything that could lead to a fire starting.”

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