THE Moors Valley Country Park says it will remain closed after another fire was reported at the site yesterday afternoon (April 1).

Firefighters from across the area scrambled to the country park on Monday (March 31) after a large blaze involving 400m x 500m of woodland was reported.

Crews initially left the scene at around 8pm on Monday after handing the incident over to Forestry England teams to monitor overnight.

However, at around 2pm yesterday, another fire was reported in the woodland which saw around 50 firefighters respond.

At 7.15pm yesterday, Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue confirmed that good progress had been made to get the blaze under control.

Security patrols took place overnight and a reinspection of the site took place at 8am today.

READ MORE: Large fire breaks out at Moors Valley Country Park

A spokesperson for Moors Valley Country Park said: “Due to the reignition of yesterday’s fire and the close proximity of the second fire to our main entry road, Moors Valley will remain closed all day Wednesday.

“The rangers will continue to patrol the forest and alongside the fire service, monitor the site.

“The car park, visitor centre, all onsite concessions and facilities will remain closed until further notice.

“The park will reopen once it is deemed safe, and updates will be communicated via our website and social media channels.

“Thank you for your understanding and continued support.”

The fire service is now appealing for the public to help to ensure fires of this nature do not reoccur.

“There is currently an amber wildfire alert in place for the service area, and we urge people to take extra care while enjoying our open spaces in the sunshine,” a spokesperson said.

“Heath fires can occur at any time of year or time of day, and we advise everyone to remain vigilant.”

For information on how to avoid a fire, visit the heath fires and countryside safety page.