New Forest on-call firefighters tackle gorse blaze in the early hours

On-call firefighters from Hardley were called out to a heathland fire near the skatepark on Holly Close in Hythe this morning.

The fire engine and Land Rover vehicle from Hardley Fire Station was mobilised at 2:22.

Three hose reels were used to stop the fire that was spread over a 25m by 20m area of gorse.

Firefighters used thermal imaging cameras to check for further hotspots before informing police and Forestry Commission partners due to it being believed the fire was set deliberately.

HIWFRS left the scene at 3:01.