UPDATED: Fire crews tackle large barn fire near Corfe Castle
Residents told to keep their windows and doors closed
Last updated 6th Jul 2021
Fire crews from across the county have been tackling a large barn fire containing hay and straw, near Corfe Castle.
The blaze broke out at Knitson around 2.30pm yesterday afternoon.
Residents in the area were advised to keep their windows and doors closed due to concerns over the amount of smoke.
Motorists were also urged to take care when driving in the area.
St the height of the blaze crews from Swanage, Wareham, Christchurch, Ferndown, Hamworthy, Poole and Bridport were in attendance.
Fire crews remained at the scene overnight.
A spokesperson for Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue told Greatest Hits Radio Dorset:
"Approx. 400 tonnes of hay has been affected, about three quarters of this has been moved away from the barn by the farmer using farm machinery, and the remainder remains within the barn, with firefighters continuing to damp down using two main jets.
"The situation will be reviewed this morning to determine when it will be safe to leave site and allow the hay to burn out under the control of the farmer."
It's not yet known how the fire started.