FIREFIGHTERS were called to Canford Heath after reports of a blaze.

Two fire engines from Poole and a Land Rover from Wimborne were sent out shortly after 12.30pm on Sunday.

A fire service spokesman said the area alight was 40m x 10m.

He added that no further fire appliances had been requested.

The fire was close to the site of a major blaze on Canford Heath that took place last month.

Crews spent time dampening down hot spots after putting out the flames.

Jez Martin, nature conservation officer at Borough of Poole, said he saw a plume of smoke as he drove along the Dorset Way.

He said it was almost certain that the latest fire was arson.

"Luckily because of the efficient attendance of the fire service it was quite easy to control the fire but it could have been a lot worse," he added.