PLUMES of smoke were sent billowing into the sky after a wildfire broke out in the New Forest.

This video taken by resident Gill Hickman shows flames burning on Pennington Common in Lymington sending thick clouds of smoke into the air. 

A number of people can be seen standing nearby, watching and taking videos of the fire as it ripped through the park.

A car driving down the road and into the smoke was hastily diverted by a member of the public.

At the height of the incident, residents were urged to keep their doors and windows shut.

Firefighters from different stations have been battling the blaze across two hectares of gorse.

The incident is now being scaled down though crews remain at the scene to dampen down hotspots.

Two caf jets, four main jets and five hose reels have been used to fight the fire. 

Daily Echo: Fire crews at the scene of the fire. Picture by Simon CorbinFire crews at the scene of the fire. Picture by Simon Corbin

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