FIREFIGHTERS returned to Ringwood Forest to tackle hotspots almost a week after a huge fire at the scene.

Despite torrential rain in recent days, crews found numerous hotspots after being called at 5.30pm yesterday.

After attending the scene at 5.30pm, a spokesman for Verwood fire station said: "This demonstrates just how deep the fire can go, bearing in mind it took hold six days ago.

"Forestry England will be returning soon to re-assess and likely further dampen down."

More than 100 firefighters tackled the 200m x 200m blaze when it took hold on Monday August 10.

Crews from Ferndown, Cranborne, Verwood, Westbourne, Poole, Wimborne and Christchurch attended along with firefighters from Ringwood, Lyndhurst, Fordingbridge, Burley and Totton.

Residents reported the smell of smoke across the area, as far as Bournemouth and Christchurch, and residents were advised to keep their doors and windows closed..

Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service is advising residents to keep their doors and windows closed.