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| Version 1 | Version 2 |
|---|---|
| Wareham Forest: Firefighters take control of major wildfire | Wareham Forest: Firefighters take control of major wildfire |
| (about 2 hours later) | |
| A large fire that broke out more than 180 hectares of heath and woodland in Dorset has been brought under control. | A large fire that broke out more than 180 hectares of heath and woodland in Dorset has been brought under control. |
| The fire, in Wareham Forest, was declared a major incident by the fire service shortly after midday on Monday. | The fire, in Wareham Forest, was declared a major incident by the fire service shortly after midday on Monday. |
| The forest is home to all six species of British reptile: the common lizard, sand lizard, slow worm, grass snake, adder and smooth snake. | The forest is home to all six species of British reptile: the common lizard, sand lizard, slow worm, grass snake, adder and smooth snake. |
| Hundreds are thought to have perished in the fire. | Hundreds are thought to have perished in the fire. |
| Firefighters are likely to remain at the scene for the next two days putting out "deep rooted hotspots" which could reignite the blaze. | Firefighters are likely to remain at the scene for the next two days putting out "deep rooted hotspots" which could reignite the blaze. |
| More than 150 firefighters tackled the blaze overnight. | More than 150 firefighters tackled the blaze overnight. |
| Nearby roads, including a section of the A35 at Bloxworth, were closed overnight and through Tuesday morning but have since reopened. | |
| Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service said: "We are still advising people to avoid the area and to find an alternative route where possible." | |
| Seth Wye, of Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service (DWFRS), said: "With the dry conditions there's a real danger that this fire could reignite." | Seth Wye, of Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service (DWFRS), said: "With the dry conditions there's a real danger that this fire could reignite." |
| He added 100 firefighters remained on site "dealing with deep-rooted hotspots - burning roots and tree stumps". | He added 100 firefighters remained on site "dealing with deep-rooted hotspots - burning roots and tree stumps". |
| DWFRS said it was working with police and the forestry commission "to see if we can identify the cause". | DWFRS said it was working with police and the forestry commission "to see if we can identify the cause". |
| Due to strong winds smoke drifted to Poole and Bournemouth, more than 10 miles (15km) away. | Due to strong winds smoke drifted to Poole and Bournemouth, more than 10 miles (15km) away. |
| Residents have been urged to keep windows and doors closed as a precaution. | Residents have been urged to keep windows and doors closed as a precaution. |