FIFTEEN firefighters spent around three-and-a-half hours battling a blaze at the rear of Maple Leaf Drive last Wednesday afternoon.

Damaging three hectares of grass and gorse, the fire, which was one of 19 in heathland throughout the county on that day, is believed to have been started maliciously.

ÒIt is difficult to be certain of the cause of the fire but the fact that there were a rash of fires throughout the county on that day and that it was during school holidays does suggest that it was started maliciously,Ó said Mike Gates, Hampshire Fire and Rescue ServiceÕs public relations officer.

ÒAlthough the climate has been warmer, it is too early in the season to be caused by the weather.Ó

Three Land Rovers from Haslemere, Alton and Bordon attended the incident, which started at around 1-42 pm, armed with four hose reels.

Firefighters from Alton and Bordon used beaters to tackle the blaze, because they are more effective than water in the event of a heathland fire, according to Mr Gates.

The heathland was badly damaged by the fire, which was put out by 5-15 pm, and Mr Gates said it will take some time before the vegetation grows back properly.