HAMPSHIRE crews were called to a large fire on 10 hectares of heathland and gorse in Aldershot.

Firefighters from Hampshire and Surrey were called on Thursday, June 1, to the large fire in the open involving heathland and gorse off Bourley Road shortly before midday.

Smoke could be seen from some distance and the fire service said it received “a large volume of calls into our control room”.

Shortly after 3.30pm residents were asked to avoid the Jubilee Hill and Long Valley areas and “be aware that there will be significant movements of our vehicles in the area while we continue to deal with this incident”.

READ MORE: Families fled burning building as fire 'spread within seconds'

A spokesperson for the fire service said: “Crews were called shortly before midday and used jets to contain and extinguish the fire that involved approximately 10 hectares of heathland and gorse.

“Eight fire engines plus additional specialist vehicles were involved at the height of the incident.”

Crews remained on scene into the evening to damp down the area.