THE cause of a huge blaze which ripped through a Southampton heathland last night is still unknown, investigators have revealed.

More than 40 firefighters from across the county tackled the flames, which reached up to 60ft high, as they tore through Peartree Green, in Woolston, yesterday evening.

Residents living nearby in Sea Road, Bryanston Road and Osterlily Road had to be evacuated by police as the fire spread closer to their homes.

However fire crews from St Mary's, Hightown, Redbridge, Bishop's Waltham and Botley were able to extinguish the fire before it as able to reach the homes.

The fire destroyed an area of heathland measuring 200m by 400m, killing many of the habitats on the green.

Nobody was injured.

Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service incident commander Mickey Smithers said: “Our firefighters worked quickly to dampen down the flames and surround the fire to stop further spreading, whilst working in extremely hot conditions.

“Fires in rural areas spread very quickly, particularly in the dry, hot conditions that we have had recently. We encourage the public to dispose of cigarettes, barbecues and glass appropriately.”