
Firefighters tackled a heath fire that spread alongside the A338 near Bournemouth after a car blaze broke out on Sunday afternoon.
Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service were called to reports of a car on fire on the southbound side of the dual carriageway. The flames spread quickly to nearby heathland, prompting a major response from across the county and beyond.
Crews from Springbourne, Wareham, Lymington, Christchurch, Poole, Redhill Park and Ferndown attended, supported by water carriers from Ringwood and Poole.
The service confirmed that the fire had moved across the road and was affecting two separate areas of heath off the northbound carriageway.
Vehicle fire on A338 Southbound pic.twitter.com/rbWdTdrItm
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A spokesperson said firefighters worked to prevent the blaze spreading further. Dorset Police closed both carriageways of the A338 while the incident was dealt with.
No injuries are reported but the road remained closed for several hours.
DW Fire Service issued a statement at the time, saying: “We were called to the A338 southbound at 1.34pm today (17 August) for a car fire that had spread to an area of adjacent heath.
“Due to the conditions, the fire has now spread to two areas of heath off the northbound carriageway. “We have crews on scene from Springbourne, Wareham, Lymington, Christchurch, Poole, Redhill Park and Ferndown, together with water carriers from Ringwood and Poole.
“Dorset Police have closed both carriageways while firefighters tackle the blaze.”