PATROLS are being stepped up across Poole after a second heath fire in less than 24 hours.

Fifty firefighters tackled a second Poole heath blaze in less than 24 hours when Ham Common caught fire yesterday afternoon.

The inferno at the Hamworthy beauty spot just behind the popular beach was spotted by around 30 people who made 999 calls just before 4pm.

A pall of smoke was visible for several miles, including from Canford Heath, where an arson attack on Tuesday night left two hectares devastated.

Both fires are being treated as arson.

Now police are renewing their appeal for witnesses to come forward. 

Poole North Neighbourhood Inspector Ian Roe said: “I would urge anyone who witnessed the ignition of this fire and anyone with information about those responsible to contact Dorset Police as soon as possible.

"We invest a significant amount of time patrolling the various heathland areas and work hard to educate the public about the dangers and environmental impact of starting fires on heathland.

“Not only do fires like this have a huge effect upon wildlife, but they can quickly get out of control and put the public at significant risk as they spread, especially given the proximity to residential areas.

“We will be continuing our patrols over the coming weeks and will deal robustly with any anti-social behaviour.”

Gaynor Mant, Community Safety Officer for Dorset Fire and Rescue, said: “The incident at Canford Heath was an extremely serious fire. It tied up over 60 firefighters and lots of resources for many hours. 

“To have caused such a fire deliberately is a mindless act without any thought for the environment, those dealing with the fire and the safety of residents.

“I would encourage anyone thinking about committing arson to consider their actions and think about their families. If we were delayed in getting to a fire in a relative's house because we were at a deliberately set fire, could they live with themselves?”

Yesterday police closed the road down to the beach at Lake Pier and the track leading on to the common from just outside Rockley Park as crews fought the flames which spread over a 200 by 300 metre section of the protected nature reserve.

Their efforts were hampered by a stiff breeze and the roughness of the terrain, but by 5.30pm the fire was surrounded and effectively under control, with firefighters damping down hot spots.

Speaking at the scene, group manager Andy Fox, who was at Monday’s major fire in Stalbridge and Tuesday’s on Canford Heath, said: “Last night was apparently deliberate and I would suspect this one is deliberate. It will be under investigation.”

Seven fire engines and three Land Rovers were used as firefighting teams from Poole, Hamworthy, Redhill, Spring-bourne, Wareham, Wimborne and Westbourne battled the fire, which burnt the tinder-dry gorse, small trees and heather to a crisp.

The Unimog vehicle, which carries water to the frontline firefighters, was also drafted in.

“The terrain is quite treacherous to get water into,” explained Mr Fox.

Six days ago an evening fire on the same reserve was tackled by around 30 firefighters and scorched an area of heathland measuring 30 by 80 metres of heathland.

Police were investigating the cause.