Police and firefighters called to Holt for heathland fire

Emergency services were called to Holt Heath at 1.27pm on Wednesday for a blaze which involved approximately nine hectares of heathland.

The National Trust had been carrying out a controlled burn at the site.

RECAP: 'Controlled burn' leads to heath fire in rural Dorset

Multiple crews worked to control the fire, which was described as "spreading rapidly".

Further fire engines, off-road fire engines, landrovers, a unimog and a water carrier were also brought in. 

Police officers were on scene to keep members of the public away from the affected heathland.

A spokesperson for Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service said: "DWFRS responded to a report of a fire spreading on part of the heath, and crews from Ringwood and Wimborne initially responded. 

Damage caused by the fire (Image: NQ)

"However, on arrival it was clear that further resources were required to bring the fire under control, as it was spreading rapidly and there was the potential for domestic properties to be affected. 

"It was brought under control just before 3.30pm and most appliances were able to leave the site, although three remained to ensure the area was fully damped down."

Speaking to the Daily Echo at the scene, Ellie from the National Trust said: "It was a controlled burn, they had the fire beaters and the water and everything.

"I think the wind took it up high into a bit of gorse. They all tried with their fire beaters and the water to get hold of it but unfortunately it had gone, so they phoned the fire service straight away.

"It’s been a fairly flash fire through, could’ve been a lot worse. As for the heathland, hopefully it will be back for the summer.

“This is the time of year you’re supposed to do controlled burnings, but it’s one of those things. We’ve been doing this for 20 years and it’s never happened before.”