PUBLIC negligence is believed to have caused the second major blaze to ravage precious heathland south of Farnham in tinder-dry conditions this summer.

Firefighters from three counties were again needed to control an inferno that engulfed around 40 hectares (90 acres) of Ministry of Defence land at Hankley Common on Monday and Tuesday.

The fire follows a devastating blaze at Frensham Common which cost around £2 million to control.

For full story, see this week's Farnham Herald.