FIRE investigators are still trying to find the cause of a blaze that destroyed a large area of Southampton heathland.

Up to 50 firefighters from across the county tackled the flames, which reached up to 60ft high, as they tore through Peartree Green in Woolston on Friday night.

Last night Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service said there was no update into what caused the blaze.

People living 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.

Nobody was injured.

The fire destroyed an area of heathland measuring 200 metres by 400 metres on Peartree Green, a site of importance for nature conservation.

Robert Farmer, who lives in nearby Hill Street, watched flames and black smoke pouring from the site.

He said: “We were down by the water and thought it was a block of flats on fire.

“The whole park was on fire.”

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.”