FIREFIGHTERS have been tackling a huge blaze on heathland in Southampton this evening.

Flames up to 60ft high were seen tearing through Peartree Green in Woolston as an area of grassland ignited shortly after 5.20pm.

Four fire engines and two support vehicles from St Mary's and Hightown fire stations have been at the scene trying to contain the flames which have torn through a patch of land measuring 100 metres square.

Hampshire Police have confirmed that the fire has now been extingusihed but crews will remain at the scene to dampen down the debris to prevent another blaze.

 

 

Robert Farmer, of Hill Street, has watched flames and black smoke pouring from the site.

He said: “We were down by the water and thought it was a block of flats on fire.

“The whole park is on fire. It's on the railway track now and going towards the houses.

“We have heard the police downstairs saying they need to get more engines.”