FIREFIGHTERS have raced to a fire at playing fields in Weymouth.

Crews were called to The Marsh at 1.42pm after undergrowth at the playing field had caught fire.

Two fire engines were reported at the scene as firefighters tackled the blaze.

Dorset Echo: Picture: Caleb Morris Picture: Caleb Morris

Passerby, Caleb Morris, was on his way to work when he saw the fire which he said lasted about 20 minutes. He said he believed the bramble bush caught fire but didn't know the cause.

He said: "Looks like the fire is out now but they're dampening the area for any hot spots.

"With the weather looking like it's going to get a lot hotter and the ground drying out a lot more we need to start being more careful with BBQs and cigarettes and anything else that may cause a fire.

"The houses behind the fire were out watering their fences and gardens… they look very scared."

A spokesman for Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service said: "We were called to Knightsdale Road, Weymouth at 1.42pm for a fire involving approx. 10m x 4m of undergrowth at The Marsh playing field.

"Two crews from Weymouth attended and two hose reel jets were used to extinguish the fire, with the stop at 2.10pm."