Displaying items by tag: nature reserves

The fire that broke out at Lions Hill in Dorset on 26 April has devastated an area of nature reserve. The 42-hectare heath is a Site of Special Scientific Interest, a wetlands area considered to be of international importance. Fire crews said the blaze was sparked by a discarded cigarette. Later that day the Fire Service tweeted, ‘Sadly, our crews have attended another heath fire this evening. This fire was also started by a discarded cigarette: please dispose of these responsibly.’ Dorset firefighters have dealt with a spate of heath fires, including one started deliberately at Canford Heath. The service said, ‘These avoidable fires tie up so many of our resources which could impact a response to other emergencies.’