CREWS are at the scene of another large blaze at Wareham Forest.

It is the second fire to break out there in a matter of weeks, and is at a different area of forest from the first, in which 200 hectares of heath and woodland were destroyed, as well as wildlife being killed.

Around 12 fire engines, 75 firefighters, three water carriers, two Land Rover pumps and a Unimog are currently on site and expect to be there all day, according to the brigade. The cause is curently unknown, however the fire service said it will carry out an investigation.

The 'fire front' is now extinguished, however crews remain on site damping down hotspots, while nearby residents have been warned to keep windows and doors closed due to a 'significant' amount of smoke.

It follows a warning of 'extreme risk' of wildfires.

A spokesman for Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service said: "We are dealing with a new fire within Wareham Forest, three weeks after a devastating blaze there which destroyed over 220 hectares of woodland and heath.

"Firefighters were called to the scene at 12.20pm today (March 8) and found approximately 1.25 hectares alight. Twelve fire appliances, three water carriers, two Land Rover pumps and a Unimog are currently on site, with approximately 75 firefighters.

"While the flame front is extinguished, a considerable damping down operation is underway and this is likely to continue for at least a day, depending on the weather conditions.

"The number of appliances on scene is likely to be reduced within a couple of hours, but a presence will be kept on site until all hotspots have been dealt with.

"Forestry England staff are on scene supporting the firefighting operation, but early indications are that the Site of Special Scientific Interest is unaffected at this time. A fire investigation will be carried out in due course.

"Local people are asked to stay away from the forest while crews continue to work. Sugar Hill Road has been closed for safety due to the number of fire appliance movements."