THE fire service has thanked the local community after they have been inundated with support while they tackle a large fire at Holt Heath.

Crews from across Dorset, Wiltshire, Devon, Somerset, Hampshire, Gloucestershire, Oxfordshire and Berkshire have all been working in arduous conditions as they looked to tackle the fire, which first started near Wimborne on Saturday (August 9).

A major incident was declared due to the sheer size of the nearly 198-acre blaze, which had been accelerated due to the strong wind.

Multiple flare-ups have also made life more difficult for firefighters.

The cause of the fire is unknown at this stage.

Local charities, supermarkets and residents have all been supporting the hard-working firefighters with donations of food and water.

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The fire has seen multiple flare ups Picture: DWF&R

A spokesperson said: “We would like to say a huge thank you to Morrisons in Verwood and Tesco Express in West Moors for donating food and water; the Dorset Food Company for providing an on-site hot food van; the Salvation Army for supplying drinks and snacks; and the many local residents who have dropped off donations.

“We’ve had lots of offers to deliver food and drink to fire stations, but we would ask for this not to happen, as there may not be anyone available to take delivery.

“We are extremely grateful for the support and all the kind messages we have received.”

The public has been asked to stay away from the area.

The fire service said it expects specialist support from around the country to arrive today (August 11).

Further south, the fire service has also been dealing with a heath and forest fire at Newton Heath, near Swanage, which is believed to have been started deliberately and has been burning for a week now.