FIRE crews are back at Studland Heath this morning dampening down hot spots from last night's blaze.

Six fire engines tackled the fire, which saw 500 square metres destroyed.

Plumes of thick white smoke could be seen for miles around.

Christine Robinson, manager of the Isle of Purbeck Golf Club, said: "We called the fire service about an hour ago (6.30pm), and we were told they'd had other calls too.

"The smoke was billowing quite a lot, but we only saw a few flames."

She said sirens had travelled past the club at around 7pm, and more followed.

The B3351 Ferry Road was closed while the incident was dealt with.

A spokesperson from the ferry said the fire was by Little Sea.

The blaze was thought to have been started deliberately.