Dozens of Firefighters Tackle Canford Heath Blaze Near Poole

Dozens of firefighters are tackling a blaze on Canford Heath, a nature reserve near Poole in Dorset. Crews were called at 7:39pm on Wednesday 4 November, and the fire covers heathland of roughly 2.5 acres. Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service has 14 appliances at the scene. Details may develop further.

They include two crews from Christchurch and three from Poole, with units also responding from Ferndown, Wareham, Wimborne, Hamworthy, Swanage, Blandford, Verwood, Burley and Ringwood. A support vehicle has also travelled from Gillingham to help crews working to contain the fire and stop it spreading across the protected site. Details may develop further.

Poole Fire Station said the fire is creating a significant amount of smoke. Residents nearby have been told to keep their doors and windows closed, and members of the public have been asked to stay away from the heath so firefighters can work safely. Updates are expected as crews continue through the night.