Huge blaze hits UK nature reserve as dry weather prompts major wildfire fears

An amber wildfire alert came into place on Wednesday for much of the UK - (Dorset & Wiltshire Fire Service)

A huge blaze tore through a nature reserve in Dorset on Wednesday night as fire brigades across the country have been placed on alert for wildfires.

Dozens of emergency crews, including 80 firefighters, were dispatched to tackle a wildfire at Upton Heath in Poole after receiving the first of multiple 999 calls at 11.44pm.