A LARGE fire involving five hectares of heathland broke out in Purbeck on Wednesday afternoon.

Three fire crews attended the blaze at Povington Heath along with a 4x4 appliance and the Unimog.

The fire was reported to the fire service at 3.15pm and it was extinguished by 5.30pm.

A Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service spokesperson said: “We were called to Povington Heath at 3.15pm yesterday for a fire involving approx. five acres of heathland.

Bournemouth Echo: A fire at Povington Heath on October 19, 2022. Picture: Swanage Fire Station. A fire at Povington Heath on October 19, 2022. Picture: Swanage Fire Station. (Image: Swanage Fire Station)

“Three crews – two from Poole and one from Swanage – attended, together with a small 4x4 appliance from Swanage and the Unimog from Wareham.

Bournemouth Echo: A fire at Povington Heath on October 19, 2022. Picture: Swanage Fire Station. A fire at Povington Heath on October 19, 2022. Picture: Swanage Fire Station. (Image: Swanage Fire Station)

“Six hose reel jets were used to put out the fire, and the stop was at 5.30pm, with all appliances away from scene by 7pm.”

Bournemouth Echo: A fire at Povington Heath on October 19, 2022. Picture: Swanage Fire Station. A fire at Povington Heath on October 19, 2022. Picture: Swanage Fire Station. (Image: Swanage Heath Fire)

The spokesperson said a daylight reinspection will take place on Thursday morning.

There are no details on the cause at this stage.