40 firefighters from 10 different fire stations have tackled a large heath fire at Boveridge Heath in Verwood.

First reported at 5:50 am, firefighters spent the entire day of July 1 fighting a large heath fire at Boveridge Heath, Verwood, with 1.3 hectares said to be affected.

10 fire stations were called to assist, including water carriers from Eastleigh.

A spokesperson for DWFRS said: "We were called to Boveridge Heath, Verwood at 5.50am after a fire was discovered in the undergrowth.

"This is a large and well-developed fire, in an area where access is difficult due to the density of the foliage.

"We currently have crews in attendance from Verwood, Ringwood, Fordingbridge, Christchurch, Wimborne and Swanage, together with small 4x4 appliances from Verwood, Fordingbridge and Ferndown, the Unimog from Wareham, and water carriers from Poole and Eastleigh – approx. 40 firefighters."

Fire reported that it was likely the fire had been burning for some time before it became visible and an investigation will occur once it is under control. 

It was reported at 5:30pm that DWFRS has scaled back its presence but appliances will remain on-site overnight. 

A spokesperson for DWFRS said: "Crews have worked hard to contain this deep-seated fire and we will be scaling back our attendance, although appliances will remain on-site throughout the night.

"We would still urge local people to avoid the affected area."

The Daily Echo has contacted DWFRS for further updates.