Canford Heath fire: CCTV shows how close blaze came to homes

A huge area of heathland equivalent to 23 football pitches was destroyed by a fire on Saturday night.

Scores of firefighters rushed to the scene to bring the blaze under control as soon as possible.

Residents of 20 homes had to be evacuated for their own safety as the front of the fire came close to their properties.

• Canford Heath fire tore across land the size of 23 football pitches
• "Police just told us to 'go, go, go'": Evacuated residents describe Canford Heath fire
• Huge Canford Heath fire believed to be started by 'human act'
• Shocking drone pictures show extent of damaged land after Canford Heath fire

CCTV cameras in Matthew Pond’s home covering his garden and decking caught the large flames.

The blaze came up right to the edge of the heathland before slowing down.

The video recordings show the out of control blaze before thick black smoke filled the air and spread across the garden.

Drone picture by Matthew Hicks showing hte damage to Canford Heath

At the height of the fire, 15 fire engines and four water carriers from across Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service stations, as well as across the county border in Hampshire.

First reports of the incident came in at around 6pm and the incident was under control by around 10pm.

The evacuated residents stayed at Ashdown Leisure Centre until approximately 12.30am when they were allowed to return home.