THIS is the dramatic moment caught on video that a firefighter tackles a massive gorse blaze in the New Forest.

The blaze, near Holbury, began in the early hours of the morning.

More than 40 firefighters from across Hampshire rushed to the blaze, which was reported around 12.15am today.

PHOTOS: Massive gorse fire near Holbury, New Forest, destroys area size of 50 football pitches

Fire bosses say around 35 hectares of land, the equivalent of 50 football pitches, was damaged in the fire.

Crews from across Hampshire, including Hythe, Beaulieu, Hardley, Burley, Lyndhurst, Eastleigh, Brokenhurst, Totton, Ringwood and Redbridge all attended the fire and spent around three hours bringing the fire under control.

The stop message came in at 3.25am, though crews remain on scene alongside the Forestry Commission damping down.