EMERGENCY services were called to a fire in Wareham Forest earlier today.

At 8.51am Wareham Fire Station despatched one fire engine and a UniMog after reports of a burning campfire.

A UniMog is a multi-terrain firefighting vehicle that allows fire services to reach remote and rural locations.

The crews extinguished the blaze and then set about digging out the burning forest floor.

The incident comes just a few days after Bere Regis Fire Station were called to Sherford Bridge in order to extinguish the remains of another campfire.

It follows a spell of hot, dry weather which puts heathland and forests at a greater risk of fire.

Speaking previously, Group Manager at Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service, Brad Stevens said: “With the recent spell of hot, dry weather and the longer summer days, fires in woodland, open spaces and on heath can spread really quickly.

“We know that people will want to be out and about, enjoying the sunshine, so we ask everyone to avoid having campfires, and to take a picnic rather than use a disposable barbecue.

"Please also be vigilant to the risk of fire, and call 999 immediately if you see a fire taking hold.”

A spokesperson for Wareham Fire Station said: “One fire engine and the UniMog was sent to Wareham Forest to a campfire. Fire crews made quick work of extinguishing the campfire and then digging out the burning forest floor.”