FIREFIGHTERS faced a heathland blaze in ‘extremely difficult conditions and terrain’ as smoke was seen blowing across the A31.

Fire crews arrived at Cannon Hill Plantation at 5.29pm on July 4 after reports of the smell of burning and sighting of smoke in a wooded area of Colehill.

Around 100m area diameter was involved of deep-seated undergrowth, trees and bracken.

Firefighters were tackling the blaze until 3am in “extremely difficult conditions, challenging terrain and access.”

Crews from Wimborne, Ferndown, Poole, Hamworthy, Springbourne, Westbourne and Hampshire attended the scene.

Drivers were warned to take car as smoke was blowing across the A31, with the fire service urging people to avoid the area if possible.

Fire crews will be returning to the area for re-inspection.

A spokesperson for Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service said: “Call received by our Control centre at 1730 of smell of burning and sighting of smoke in a wooded area at Uddens Drive, Colehill.

“Crews from Wimborne, Ferndown, Poole, Hamworthy, Springbourne, Westbourne and one appliance from Hampshire FRS in attendance.

“Drivers along the A31 are asked to take care due to smoke and where possible avoid the area.

“Approximate 100m area diameter involved of deep seated undergrowth, trees and bracken. Crews are fighting the fire in extremely difficult conditions, challenging access terrain and access. “We left at 3am but there will be a reinspection this morning.”