Firefighters tackle blaze at Talbot Heath nature reserve

The fire had spread across 25 acres of land, which is home to adders, sand lizards, ground-nesting birds and silver-studded blue butterflies

Firefighters were called to Talbot Heath nature reserve on Monday, 9 July, to tackle a fire which had spread across 25 acres of land.

Concern grew as the blaze swept towards the residential area on the Bournemouth-Poole border.

The fire was reported shortly after 6:15pm off Winston Avenue, as smoke was seen rising from the Poole area.

The Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service sent eight fire engines to the scene, and have said the cause of the fire is unknown, but eight pumps and two land rovers were used to control the flames.

The heathland is a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) due to its inhabitants, which include adders, silver-studded blue butterflies and sand lizards.

The fire was extinguished using five main jets and six hose reel jets.