The big fire, caused by strong winds, in the Dorset wilderness has already been contained, firefighters said.
Scenes on social media showed huge orange flames covering vast areas of rural land, with thick smoke pouring into the air at Canford Heath, Poole.
The Ferdown Fire Station tweeted that the fire was “probably the biggest fire in the area in several years.”
Image: Scenes on social media show huge orange flames covering huge areas of rural land
“There were 15 pumps, four water carriers and six off-road vehicles in full swing, the station said.
Elizabeth Lady, 28, of Poole, said: “The amount of smoke coming out was like no other fire I’ve seen before.”
Another resident nearby said the “terrible” fire meant she was stuck in her path.
But the Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service said the incident, which was originally called on Saturday afternoon, was “now cordoned off and under control”.
“Please keep in mind that the road closure will remain in force and while our presence in this incident will decrease, a number of resources will remain in place at night to check for hot spots,” the service added.
Wessex Water was informed of some supply problems in the area after the incident, while the Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service said the public should contact the supplier directly if the problems persist.
Image: The fire was reported to be the largest in several years
Investigations are underway to determine the cause of the fire.
Canford Heath is known for being the largest wasteland in Dorset and the largest lowland wasteland in the United Kingdom.
It is an object of special scientific interest and part of the Dorset Heathlands Special Protection Area.
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