Fire crews tackle large heathland blaze at Studland

An investigation's underway into a large heath fire on Studland.

At least 90 firefighters tackled the flames yesterday (Friday 12 August) with crews in Poole describing the blaze as devastating.

Teams remains on site this morning to check for hot spots and assess the damage.

Due to the ongoing hot and dry conditions, the risk of wildfires across the south is at its highest alert level.

Smoke from the fire drifted across Poole Harbour and could be seen for miles around.

A spokesperson from Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service said: "Crews were first called to Studland Heath at 1.12pm this afternoon (12 August), and there are currently approx. 90 firefighters tackling the blaze.

"This includes fire engines from Springbourne, Blandford (x2), Poole, Westbourne, Swanage, Christchurch, Bridport, Redhill Park, Verwood, Shaftesbury, Wimborne (x2) and New Milton; small 4x4 appliances from Poole, Christchurch, Swanage, Beaminster, Verwood, Blandford, Bere Regis, Wimborne, Ringwood and Hythe; the Unimog from Wareham; a support unit from Dorchester; and water carriers from Ringwood and Eastleigh."

The Sandbanks Ferry was suspended.

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