FIREFIGHTERS were called to an industrial estate after a fire started in trees and spread.

Three crews from Poole and one from Hamworthy, around 20 firefighters in all, were called at 11.32pm yesterday to what started out as a fire in some trees and discarded tyres next to a warehouse in Balena Close, Creekmoor.

The fire then spread to an adjacent derelict building where cylinders were at first thought to be involved but later discounted.

Station Manager, Dave Graham, said: "There were some discarded tyres and other debris up against the side of a disused industrial unit which had, we believe, been deliberately set alight.

"This then spread to the warehouse itself but luckily we were called and managed to deal with it before it spread any further.

"We are looking at the circumstances of this incident alongside police colleagues and would like to stress quite clearly that arson is a very serious crime and once again, crews had to deal with a fire which took up valuable resources when genuine emergencies also require our attendance.

"I'd also like to appeal to all commercial and other properties not to store things against the side of buildings since fire will spread very rapidly to the buildings.

"Keep all combustible materials away from buildings and sheds and ensure they are responsibly disposed off in appropriate containers."