Flare-ups continue as fire destroys 25 hectares

A wildfire believed to have been started deliberately that has been burning for five days has now destroyed an area about the size of 35 football pitches.

The fire at Newton Heath, Dorset, started shortly before 03:30 BST on Sunday.

Firefighters are still tackling the blaze in dense forest and heathland across about 25 hectares (62 acres) near Studland where gusty winds have caused it to flare up.

Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue said crews from 37 different stations including three from Hampshire & Isle of Wight Fire & Rescue Service have worked to tackle the fire since it started.

The fire service said: "We believe the cause to be deliberate, and we are working with Dorset Police to investigate."

People are being urged to stay away from the area for their own safety.

The fire was one of several reported in the Studland area of Dorset on Saturday night and Sunday morning.

On Tuesday, crews spent the night tackling a fire covering about seven acres of woodland and grassland near Redbridge Lane, Crossways, east of Dorchester.

The cause of that fire is not yet known.

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