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Fire destroys area of heathland near town

Marcus WhiteSouth of England
HIWFRS Two firefighters aim a hose on open, burnt ground surrounded by smoke and treesHIWFRS
More than 40 firefighters tackled the blaze

A fire has destroyed a large area of heathland near a town.

More than 40 firefighters from Hampshire and Surrey tackled the blaze across three hectares (seven acres) of grass and gorse near Fleet.

The fire, off Norris Hill Road, started at about 10:20 BST, Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service said.

Previously, the service warned people to avoid the town to allow easier access for emergency vehicles.

HIWFRS A fire hose snakes along open, burnt ground towards two firefighters in the distance. Smoke rises from the ground and trees around them.HIWFRS
The fire destroyed three hectares (seven acres) of land

Norris Hill Road remained closed throughout the incident, which saw crews leave the scene at 18:20.

The service said the area would be reinspected overnight.

Hampshire heaths currently have a "high severity" fire risk, according to Natural England.

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