Studland fire: Ninety firefighters tackle heath blaze near beach

Ninety firefighters have been sent to tackle a large heath blaze close to a popular beach.

Crews were deployed to the Studland peninsula in Purbeck, Dorset, after emergency services were called shortly after 13:00 BST.

The chain ferry linking Studland to Sandbanks in Poole was being used to help people get away from the area.

Smoke from the blaze, which involves undergrowth and gorse, could be seen from across Poole Harbour.

Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service described the fire as "significant".

Group Manager Brad Stevens said: "The fire affects an area of around 200m x 200m, and is generating a lot of smoke.

"Anyone in the local area who is concerned should keep doors and windows closed.

"Our crews are fighting the fire on all sides, using multiple jets and beaters, and National Trust staff are using machinery to create a fire break."

He added that the chain ferry was running one-way with passengers going to Poole only.

"This will be very busy as the evening goes on, so people are asked to be mindful of the potential delays and prepare accordingly," he added

The operators of the Sandbanks Ferry said Ferry Road had been closed.

"Emergency services are only letting people off the Studland peninsula," they said.

Morebus said it had re-routed its drivers because of the fire, and that services could only go as far as the outskirts of Swanage because of police road closures.

No injuries have been reported.

However, South Western Ambulance Service confirmed it deployed paramedics to the scene when it was made aware of the fire.

Dorset Council said visitors were being "assisted out of the area", but that routes around nearby popular tourist destination Corfe Castle were facing "severe delays".

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