FIREFIGHTERS remain on the scene of a major heath fire at Studland this morning.
At the height of the blaze, more than 90 firefighters fought to tackle the fire with visitors evacuated from the beauty spot, the Sandbanks Ferry suspended and access closed off.
READ MORE: Studland heath fire: Sandbanks Ferry still suspended today
Dorset and Wiltshire fire service said on Saturday morning the incident has now been “scaled back” but crews will continue to dampen down the area today.
A Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue spokesperson said: “The incident has now been scaled back to four off-road appliances, four Land Rovers and the Unimog.
“We are also now using the High Volume Pump (HVP) to supply water to the incident ground.
“Crews will continue to dampen down the area but with the heat continuing to increase throughout the day, we are expecting reignition in some areas.
“The ferry will be re-opening shortly for business as usual and Ferry Road will also be re-opened. “Due to our HVP being used, there will be no parking on Ferry Road, only the car parks.
“For the safety of our firefighters and partners assisting at this incident, please drive with caution in the area and we would remind the public for their own safety not to enter the heathland.”
The fire at Studland Heath was reported to the fire service at 1.12pm on Friday afternoon.
Fire services said it affected an area of around 200m x 200 and generated a lot of smoke.
Crews fought the fire on all sides, using multiple jets and beaters, and National Trust staff used machinery to create a fire break.
The Almondsbury crew assisted @DWFireRescue & @dorsetpolice with a number of fires across the region, including the Swanage & Pimperne areas. We provided live footage to the control room and were able to take the Fire Commander up to allow them to best utilise their crews.
— NPAS South West Region (@NPASSouthWest) August 12, 2022
^DF pic.twitter.com/9OQCBrPrZp
At 8.34pm yesterday evening the fire was brought under control. The Echo was told around eight pumps and several land vehicles would remain at the fire, but the worst had been dealt with.
At its peak, at least 90 firefighters from around 16 stations across Dorset and Hampshire attended.
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