FRIGHTENED residents were warned to flee their homes as the largest wildfire to rage in Dorset for decades wreaked havoc and threatened to destroy homes.

At its height, more than 185 firefighters, the police helicopter and 30 fire engines tackled the blaze, which had formed a terrifying 30ft wall of flames and smoke at Upton Heath on the outskirts of Poole.

Four members of the public were treated by ambulance staff for smoke inhalation.

One firefighter was taken to hospital as a precaution suffering from extreme exhaustion, while another received medical attention for minor burns.

Firefighters rushed to the heath at around 2pm yesterday, after the first of a torrent of 999 calls were logged.

Around an hour later, the fire – fanned by strong winds and compounded by tough terrain – had escalated massively. It eventually affected more than 1,00 square metres of heath.

One onlooker described it as “a monster” and the smoke plume dominated the skyline for miles.

Properties in Beacon Road and King Cup Close, Corfe Mullen were evacuated.

Dorset Fire and Rescue Service incident commander Keith Bacon said: “Many firefighters will go their whole careers without attending anything this big.”

Some residents, who had shut themselves in their homes, reported it was hard to breathe as the wall of smoke came towards them.

Police and firefighters warned others – including many onlookers who had gathered to watch – to leave the vicinity.

A Dorset Fire and Rescue Service spokesman said: “We’ve evacuated a lot of people.

“It is a very serious fire as it is coming right onto the back of people’s houses.

“The area is really marshy and the fire has taken hold in dips and on the ridgeline. Because of the strong winds, the fire and smoke is being fanned towards properties. The terrain is very difficult for our firefighters and pumps to get into.”

The blaze is believed to have started in the Beacon Hill area of Upton Heath, close to the busy A35 and A350 roads.

Police were forced to close the Upton Heath roundabout slip road to enable emergency vehicles to get to the scene. This caused serious rush-hour traffic hold-ups in the immediate area.

At one point, amid fears of smoke reducing driver visibility, a complete closure of the busy A35 and A350 was even considered.

Patricia Willis, from West Way, Broadstone, said: “I’ve been here for eight years and have never seen it so bad.

“We’re sheltering in the house with the windows shut. You cannot breathe outside.”

Police are investigating reports of two youths, believed to be teenagers, seen running from the scene.

Anyone with information should call Dorset Police in confidence on 01202 22 22 22 quoting incident number 09:297.

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