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| Homes evacuated as Dorset heath fire 'spread rapidly' | |
| (about 1 hour later) | |
| About 200 firefighters have tackled a large fire which spread rapidly across a Dorset heath, putting homes at risk. | |
| Strong winds caused the fire, on about five sq km (1,235 acres) of Upton Heath, Poole, to quickly spread. | |
| Nearby homes were evacuated and crews tackled the fire from behind the properties. The fire has now been brought under control. | |
| Four people were treated for breathing in smoke and one firefighter was taken to hospital for exhaustion. | |
| Another firefighter suffered minor burns to his arm, during what the fire service said was Dorset's biggest heath fire since 1976. | |
| Crews in 30 engines, 11 Land Rovers and other support vehicles were called to the heath at about 1400 BST. | Crews in 30 engines, 11 Land Rovers and other support vehicles were called to the heath at about 1400 BST. |
| Homes in Beacon Road and Kingcup Close were among those evacuated. Properties in nearby Long Meadow Lane were also under threat at the height of the blaze. | |
| Dorset Fire and Rescue Service is urging members of the public to stay away from the heath. About 20 to 25 firefighters will remain at the scene overnight. | |
| Earlier, residents were warned to leave their property if smoke or fire entered their back garden. | |
| Area Commander Keith Bacon said: "This is a very serious fire and we would encourage anyone in properties surrounding the heath to leave their property if smoke or fire enters their back garden. | Area Commander Keith Bacon said: "This is a very serious fire and we would encourage anyone in properties surrounding the heath to leave their property if smoke or fire enters their back garden. |
| "Four members of the public have been treated by ambulance staff at the scene for smoke inhalation. | "Four members of the public have been treated by ambulance staff at the scene for smoke inhalation. |
| "Unfortunately one firefighter has gone to hospital as a precautionary measure because he was suffering from extreme exhaustion, another firefighter has received medical attention due to minor burns to his arm." | "Unfortunately one firefighter has gone to hospital as a precautionary measure because he was suffering from extreme exhaustion, another firefighter has received medical attention due to minor burns to his arm." |
| Upton Community Centre has been opened for people who have had to leave their homes. | Upton Community Centre has been opened for people who have had to leave their homes. |
| Smoke from the fire could be seen for miles around and at one point was blowing across parts of the A35. | |
| Investigations into the cause of the fire are ongoing but the fire service suggested it could have been started maliciously. | Investigations into the cause of the fire are ongoing but the fire service suggested it could have been started maliciously. |
| Are you in the area? Have you been affected by the blaze? Send us your comments using the form below. | Are you in the area? Have you been affected by the blaze? Send us your comments using the form below. |
| Send your pictures and videos to yourpics@bbc.co.uk or text them to 61124 (UK) or +44 7725 100 100 (International). If you have a large file you can upload here. | Send your pictures and videos to yourpics@bbc.co.uk or text them to 61124 (UK) or +44 7725 100 100 (International). If you have a large file you can upload here. |
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