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9 June 2011
Last updated at 13:57 ET
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Aerial footage of fire crews tackling flames at Upton Heath
About 200 firefighters are tackling a very large fire which is spreading rapidly across heathland in Dorset, putting homes at risk.
Strong winds are causing the fire, on about three sq km (740 acres) of Upton Heath, Poole, to quickly spread.
Homes in nearby Beacon Hill Road have been evacuated and crews are tackling the fire from behind the properties.
Crews in 30 engines, 11 Land Rovers and other support vehicles were called at about 1400 BST.
Homes in Long Meadow Lane are also under threat. Police are on site ready to evacuate residents from their properties if needed.
Dorset Fire and Rescue Service is urging members of the public to stay away from the heath and for homeowners to be prepared to leave their properties if the fire approaches.
A spokeswoman said: "If smoke or fire is approaching your property, we would remind the public to leave their property and not to go back inside for any reason."
Upton Community Centre has been opened for people who have had to leave their homes.
Smoke from the fire can be seen for miles around and is blowing across parts of the A35.
The Upton slip road, where the A350 meets the A35 Upton Bypass, is closed and Dorset Police is asking drivers to avoid the area.
Supt Mick Rogers said: "The safety of the public is our utmost priority and together with our partner agencies we are ensuring that contingency plans are in place."
Are you in the area? Have you been affected by the blaze? Send us your comments using the form below.
Send your pictures and videos to yourpics@bbc.co.uk or text them to 61124 (UK) or +44 7725 100 100 (International). If you have a large file you can upload here.
Read the terms and conditions
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Please turn on JavaScript. Media requires JavaScript to play.Aerial footage of fire crews tackling flames at Upton Heath
About 200 firefighters are tackling a very large fire which is spreading rapidly across heathland in Dorset, putting homes at risk.
Strong winds are causing the fire, on about three sq km (740 acres) of Upton Heath, Poole, to quickly spread.
Homes in nearby Beacon Hill Road have been evacuated and crews are tackling the fire from behind the properties.
Crews in 30 engines, 11 Land Rovers and other support vehicles were called at about 1400 BST.
Homes in Long Meadow Lane are also under threat. Police are on site ready to evacuate residents from their properties if needed.
Dorset Fire and Rescue Service is urging members of the public to stay away from the heath and for homeowners to be prepared to leave their properties if the fire approaches.
A spokeswoman said: "If smoke or fire is approaching your property, we would remind the public to leave their property and not to go back inside for any reason."
Upton Community Centre has been opened for people who have had to leave their homes.
Smoke from the fire can be seen for miles around and is blowing across parts of the A35.
The Upton slip road, where the A350 meets the A35 Upton Bypass, is closed and Dorset Police is asking drivers to avoid the area.
Supt Mick Rogers said: "The safety of the public is our utmost priority and together with our partner agencies we are ensuring that contingency plans are in place."
Are you in the area? Have you been affected by the blaze? Send us your comments using the form below.
Send your pictures and videos to yourpics@bbc.co.uk or text them to 61124 (UK) or +44 7725 100 100 (International). If you have a large file you can upload here.
Read the terms and conditions
Powered By WizardRSS.com | Full Text RSS Feed | Amazon Plugin | Settlement Statement | WordPress Tutorials