FIREFIGHTERS rushed to battle a forest fire in the early hours of this morning.

Crews from Beaulieu and Lymington Fire Stations raced to the New Forest after an area of pine trees caught alight.

Fire engines raced to the south side of Norleywood Inclosure Car Park near Bull Hill just before 3am.

Daily Echo:

According to Hampshire Fire and Rescue Services, the fire was started by a BBQ which spread through nearby trees.

An area of woodland was left charred however no one was reported as injured.

The stop message came in at 5am.

It comes after a high alert fire warning was issued this weekend due to "tinder-dry conditions".

Daily Echo:

Firefighters and park authorities have pleaded for the public not to start bonfires or BBQs.

There is an incredibly high risk of fire spreading out of control, according to the Met Office.

Firefighters say that due to tinder-dry conditions, fires are starting easily and rapidly getting out of control with wind spread.

Daily Echo:

Adding to this warning Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service has said: "We must again repeat our message, no BBQs and no bonfires. Please help us to help you."

Forestry England has said: "The New Forest is on extremely high alert for the risk of fires this weekend. If you visit us please do NOT bring a BBQ with you or light any kind of fire - these are currently not allowed anywhere on the Forest due to risk of wildfires."

Anyone who discovers a wildfire is urged to get to a safe place and then call 999.

They should tell emergency services the exact location and size of the fire.