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Wareham Forest wildfire: Cyclists and walkers warned again to stay away Wareham Forest: Strong winds reignite five-day-old blaze
(about 2 hours later)
Walkers and cyclists have been reminded to stay away from a large area of forest devastated by fire as crews returned to tackle "flare-ups". More than 150 firefighters are back on the scene of a large forest fire in Dorset that has been declared a major incident.
Strong winds have been causing problems for firefighters at Dorset's Wareham Forest, where the blaze started on Monday, the fire service said. Strong winds have been causing "flare-ups" at Wareham Forest, where the blaze started on Monday, the fire service said.
Investigators believe a disposable barbecue or camp fire could have been the cause. It said smoke had drifted as far as Bournemouth, Ferndown and Wimborne.
Members of the public have been told to find alternative places to exercise. Investigators believe a disposable barbecue or camp fire could have been the cause of the initial blaze.
Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service said crews had "been trying to keep on top of the hotspots and flare-ups all day" after winds "picked up".Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service said crews had "been trying to keep on top of the hotspots and flare-ups all day" after winds "picked up".
It said it would maintain "a sizeable presence" at the site on Friday and continue to dampen down "multiple hotspots". About 470 acres (190 hectares) of land have so far been damaged in the fire.
About 470 acres (190 hectares) of land have been damaged in the fire. People have been urged to stay away from the area.
An amber alert for wildfire also remains in place for the weekend, meaning if another wildfire were to happen it could spread quickly and easily due to the dry and windy conditions. An amber alert for wildfire also remains in place for the weekend, meaning if another wildfire was to happen it could spread quickly and easily due to the dry and windy conditions.
One third of the 3,700-acre forest is designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and is home to rare birds, plants and invertebrates.One third of the 3,700-acre forest is designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and is home to rare birds, plants and invertebrates.
On Wednesday, Forestry England estimated it could take the forest "decades" to recover.On Wednesday, Forestry England estimated it could take the forest "decades" to recover.