FIRE chiefs have issued an urgent warning to the public after acres of New Forest heathland were destroyed in a suspected arson attack.

More than 40 firefighters battled the inferno for more than three hours as flames ripped through the tinder-dry gorse, destroying everything in their path.

Crews called to Forest Road near Holbury at 12.15am on Tuesday were confronted by a combination of huge flames and intense heat.

Firefighters from Beaulieu, Burley, Hardley and Lyndhurst fire stations fought the flames. Staff from the Forestry Commission helped damp down the area once the fire was under control.

Police suspect that the huge blaze was started deliberately.

But organisations including Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service are also worried about the possibility of people setting fire to the Forest accidentally.

Paul Reddish was one of the firefighters involved in tackling the Holbury blaze.

He said: “We are susceptible to a large fire at the moment given the weather. We would urge everyone, especially in the New Forest, to be as careful as possible with BBQs, bottles and discarded cigarettes."

A Met Office spokesman said Southampton and the New Forest were set to continue basking in the dry heat for the foreseeable future.

The Forestry Commission added: “We want everyone to be able to enjoy the outdoors, however, the current dry conditions have increased the risk of fires in the New Forest so we are urging people to please act responsibly. "Disposable BBQs should only be used at Bolderwood, Blackwater and Wilverley where stands and water are available for safe usage.”

Police confirmed that they were treating the blaze as suspected arson and issued an appeal for information.

Anyone with information is asked to call police on 101 quoting 44180268714.