Canford Heath nature reserve fire covers seven hectares

Firefighters are tackling flare-ups from a heathland fire at a nature reserve that covers about seven hectares (17 acres).

The blaze on Canford Heath near Poole broke out on Wednesday at about 20:00 GMT with about 45 firefighters from across Dorset and Hampshire initially sent in 14 firefighting appliances.

Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service said flames had spread rapidly due to high winds. It said crews in numerous off-road appliances, along with a drone, were working to manage flare-ups and hotspots.

Residents are being urged to avoid the area and keep windows and doors closed due to the smoke.

The 344-hectare Canford Heath is a designated Site of Special Scientific Interest.

It is home to dragonflies, damselflies, Dartford warblers, nightjars and all six species of British reptile.

'Significant' smoke warning from heath fire

Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service