Blaze breaks out on Dorset nature reserve
Nearby roads were closed for a short time, but have reopened
Last updated 3rd Apr 2025
Fire crews have been called out to a blaze overnight on the Canford Heath nature reserve.
It's understood one of the nearby roads - the A350 - was closed for a short time, but now has once again reopened.
It follows a separate blaze earlier this week at the Moors Valley Country Park, with investigations into the cause still underway.
Bosses there said the site will remain closed today (Thursday).
They added: "We will remain closed on Thursday 3 April while we continue to monitor a number of fires and assess their impact.
"We are asking the public not to enter the Park or surrounding forest until it is confirmed that the area is safe. Updates including when we will reopen will be provided on our website and social media channels as soon as possible. Thank you for your understanding."
In a statement, the team at Redhill Park Fire Station said: "The Service is currently dealing with a fire at Canford Heath, having received the first of multiple 999 calls at 5.25am this morning.
"Firefighters from across our area are tackling the blaze, which has affected an area of around 500m x 50m. Many of these crews have been working through the night at the Upton Heath fire.
"At this stage, we don't know what caused the fire to start, but an investigation will take place once the fire is fully under control.
"We are accessing the site via Canford Heath Road and Francis Avenue, so please take extra care in that area."