FIREFIGHTERS in Bordon are warning the public to think twice before lighting fires in open spaces after a spate of heathland blazes.

It comes after a hot weather spell at the end of March which saw temperatures rise, with firefighters called to two incidents just an hour apart on March 31.

Sharing news of their day online, the crew at Bordon Fire Station confirmed they were “called to a fire in the open at Hogmoor Inclosure”, assisted by colleagues from Liphook Fire Station.

The post read: “While making up our equipment, all crews in attendance were mobilised to another fire in the open, this time on Broxhead Common where we were faced with three separate deep- seated fires within close proximity to each other.”

Bordon Fire Station crew manager Dan Todd said a number of fires close together like this “create an issue” with the “number of resources that are required at these fires”.

He said it can “take a long time to gain access to these fires”, with the crews needing “manpower and off-road vehicles”.

A large fire on Broxhead Common on April 6 saw Bordon firefighters calling on assistance from crews in Alton, Liphook, Fleet, Rushmoor, Portchester and Farnham.

Mr Todd highlighted the concerns for nesting wildlife at the common.

And county and district councillor Adam Carew – who is also a former member of Hampshire Fire Authority – added: “I am utterly appalled there have been two heath fires on Broxhead that will have had a major impact on wildlife at such a time as birds are nesting.

“There is also a nationally important colony of sand lizards on Broxhead.

“Such fires are rarely accidents, especially with far fewer smokers these days. Arson carries stiff penalties.

“Heathlands are by their nature very fragile ecosystems. They are internationally protected and as a global biome they are rarer than rainforest.

“We are rightly proud of our amazing wildlife and green spaces in Whitehill and Bordon and I urge walkers to be vigilant and to use their phone to photograph anything suspicious. If you see a fire, it’s 999.”

Mr Todd also raised issue with a series of small fires at Hogmoor Inclosure involving youths, which he said could pull firefighters away from more “safety-critical incidents”.

A spokesperson for Hampshire County Council said: “We can confirm that there was a small fire on Broxhead Common in Bordon, on April 6 which resulted in approximately 1ha of the common’s vegetation and a neighbouring farm fence being damaged. An investigation into the cause of the fire is currently underway by Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire Rescue Service.

"Hampshire County Council has worked hard at Broxhead Common in the past few years to increase fire resilience through measures like controlling the vegetation and introducing firebreaks across the site to stop fires from advancing and getting out of control. We are also working closely with Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire Rescue Service by sharing our wildfire plans and maps to help them respond effectively in the event of any fires occurring, and using their signage on site during periods of increased fire risk.

“With warmer weather now on the way, we would like to remind people to always follow the Countryside Code when visiting green spaces to help protect the environment, including taking care with BBQs and only using them where signs state they are allowed, and not to light fires.”