IT’S just a matter of time before someone is killed in a heathland arson attack, experts have warned.

Communities bordering Poole’s Talbot Heath have witnessed a string of blazes in recent weeks – and when conditions are right flames can outrun anyone unlucky enough to be caught in their path.

Tuesday’s latest fire – believed to have been started maliciously – left one and a half hectares of heathland decimated, in the same area devastated by a blaze a fortnight ago.

Jez Martin, nature conservation officer for the Borough of Poole, said: “The risk of death or serious injury is a real one.

“These fires can move really quickly and reach extreme temperatures. Someone could easily be caught out so I am urging members of the public to be vigilant for their own safety.”

Dorset Fire and Rescue Service group manager Steve Mant explained: “During Tuesday’s fire, because of the wind and the terrain on Talbot Heath, the flames could have easily out ran a human.

“Obviously, our main concern is to protect the public. On Tuesday the fire came close to Talbot Rise housing estate. These fires are being started maliciously. We need them to stop before a member of the public or a firefighter is seriously hurt.”

Last night Mr Mant gave a fire prevention talk on Canford Heath to residents at the Canford Heath area committee.

Meanwhile, at devastated Talbot Heath, more than six hectares of heathland destroyed in the past two weeks could take around 15 years to recover fully, says Mr Martin.

He added: “I’ve spoken to a lot of people, young and old, and they are all upset by the devastation caused. These are callous, mindless attacks.”

Fire crews were still damping down the area yesterday after battling fierce flames hours earlier. At its peak 35 firefighters tackled the blaze, taking around three hours to bring it under control.

Talbot Heath, a Site of Special Scientific Interest, was home to a range of rare wildlife.

During the larger fire, two weeks ago, conservationists moved several rare sand lizards to safety.

Mr Martin said: “Unfortunately the area these sand lizards were moved to was destroyed in this latest fire.

“This is the worst spate of fires I’ve seen on Talbot Heath for at least 13 years.

“Now around one fifth of the site has been destroyed, including around half of the heathland.”