RESIDENTS have been told to avoid part of Parley Common after fire broke out yesterday afternoon (June 7).

A ‘forest fire’ was reported at the Parley Common Nature Reserve at around 4.15pm on Wednesday, with crews from Ferndown and Verwood sent to the scene.

A Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service spokesperson said: “On arrival they requested further support and at the height of this incident there were approximately 30 firefighters on scene.

“Crews extinguished the fire using beaters and hose reels.”

Fire broke out at the Parley Common Nature Reserve on Wednesday afternoon. Picture: Google

At around 7pm, DWFRS confirmed crews would remain on scene ‘for some time’, dampening down hot spots.

And this morning, the spokesperson confirmed firefighters had stayed on the scene overnight.

READ MORE: Fire destroys five hectares of rare lowland heath at Verwood

“They are currently dealing with multiple hotspots across the fire ground using hose reels,” they added.

“Further resources have been requested this morning to support this.

“We remind residents to avoid the area.”

It comes just days after another fire at Stephens Castle, Verwood, destroyed around five hectares of rare lowland heath.

The blaze was reported at around 4.15pm on Wednesday. Picture: Ferndown Fire Station