FIREFIGHTERS are dealing with hotspots this morning following a large heath fire at St Catherine’s Hill in Christchurch yesterday.

Nine fire crews from across Dorset, Wiltshire and the New Forest rushed to tackle the blaze near Dudmoor Lane which was reported at around 6.30pm on Tuesday.

It was initially thought the fire measured around 400x400m, however, Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service said on Wednesday morning the fire involved an area of approximately 2.8 hectares.

One crew from Christchurch fire station is currently on site again to tackle hotspots this morning and has been on the scene since 6am.

Bournemouth Echo: The fire at St Catherine's Hill. Picture: Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue ServiceThe fire at St Catherine's Hill. Picture: Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service

Fire crews from Christchurch, Poole, Swanage, Hamworthy, Ferndown, Verwood, Burley, Salisbury and Ringwood tackled the blaze on Tuesday evening.

The last appliance left the scene at around midnight.

Walkers and cyclists were asked to avoid the area for their own safety as firefighters dealt with the blaze which was under control by around 8.20pm.

A cause of the fire is not yet known.

More follows.