Heath fire started deliberately, fire service says

More than 100 firefighters have been fighting the blaze since Saturday

Firefighters working in "arduous conditions" as they tackle a large heath fire in Dorset have said they believe it was started deliberately.

A major incident was declared due to the size of the blaze at Holt Heath, near Wimborne, which broke out at about 11:10 BST on Saturday.

More than 100 firefighters from across the south have worked to tackle the fast-moving fire, which has burnt about 69 hectares (170 acres) of land.

Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service (DWFRS) confirmed to a BBC reporter at the scene that it believed the blaze was ignited on purpose.

A spokesperson for the fire service said it was "highly likely" crews would be there the rest of the week

It said crews were waiting for specialist support while they monitored multiple hotspots.

People were forced to leave their homes on Saturday when the fire broke out but have since been able to return.

Residents are being advised to keep their doors and windows closed.

An update from the service said: "Firefighters continue to work in arduous conditions and have surrounded the fire, although there are still multiple hotspots and flare ups that need to be tackled."

A spokesperson said it was "highly likely" crews would remain on scene for the rest of the week.

Specialist support is expected to arrive at Holt Heath to help crews manage multiple hotspots

Crews from stations in Devon and Somerset, Hampshire and the Isle of Wight, Gloucestershire, Oxfordshire and Berkshire have all been assisting with the incident.

DWFRS added: "On Monday morning, we are expecting appliances and specialist support from other parts of the country, thanks to help from the National Resilience Assurance Team."

The service has also been tackling a heath and forest fire at Newton Heath, near Swanage, that has been burning for a week.

The fire, between Corfe Castle and Swanage, has destroyed an area about the size of 35 football pitches since it broke out last Sunday.

Local supermarkets, charities and residents have been delivering food and water to firefighters on site

The blaze at both Newton Heath is also believed to have been started deliberately.

The fire service gave "a huge thank you" to local supermarkets and independent food companies and charities for donating food and water, as well as "the many local residents who have dropped off donations".

It added: "We've had lots of offers to deliver food and drink to fire stations but we would ask for this not to happen as there may not be anyone available to take delivery.

"We are extremely grateful for the support and all the kind messages we have received."