Video by Rob Johnson.
Holidaymakers are being asked to avoid a popular beach in Dorset after a major fire broke out.
Around 90 firefighters are currently tackling the blaze in the Studland area, which has caused the suspension of local ferry services today (August 12).
Emergency crews are currently assisting visitors to the area as long traffic queues are reported in nearby towns and villages.
Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue are asking the public to avoid the Ferry Road area and “stay out of health”.
Group manager Brad Stevens said: “The fire is about 200m x 200m and is generating a lot of smoke. Anyone in the affected area should keep their doors and windows closed.
“Our crews are fighting the fire from all sides, using multiple jets and beaters, and National Trust staff are using machinery to create a breach.
“Anyone currently on the peninsula will be able to leave via the chain ferry, which only operates one way with passengers to Poole.
“This will be very busy as the evening goes on, so people are asked to be aware of possible delays and prepare accordingly.”
Video by Crispian Covell.
An eyewitness told ITV Meridian that the smoke appeared at around 1pm this afternoon (Friday August 12).
Wayne Dyson, who was on nearby South Beach at the time, turned to see “black smoke” further down the boardwalk.
“I was in South Beach, we looked around at about 1 p.m. and saw a plume of black smoke,” he said.
“My first thought was that I hoped everyone was OK. I was worried about the flames and the smoke – it was getting bigger and bigger. I could see it down the ferry road in the distance.
“We checked the news to see what was going on and then we realized the heather was on fire. The grass is dry here so I understand how it spread so quickly.”
Eyewitnesses said they saw smoke from 1 p.m. Credit: Crispian Covell
The fire has caused the suspension of the Sandbanks ferry, which is unable to use the Studland Peninsula.
The company urges motorists and pedestrians to avoid the area.
Emergency services have been using the ferry, which is taking crews to Studland to bring stranded tourists.
The company said: “The ferry road is closed due to a large fire at Studland. Emergency services are only letting people off the Studland peninsula – the road is completely closed on the Studland side.”
The Sandbanks ferry has been suspended. Credit: Cat Reid
The local bus service has also been disrupted due to the fire.
MoreBus, which provides services to and from the area, now only operates a shuttle service between Studland and Swanage.
The route will run hourly and passengers are advised to take the shuttle for “all” trips.
The operator said: “We will be running a shuttle bus once an hour between Studland Village and Swanage.
“ALL passengers should catch the ferry at Swanage to continue their journey to Poole and Bournemouth. Please allow extra time for your journey.”
Police have closed nearby roads. Credit: Purbeck Police
Drivers in the area are reporting that access to Studland is restricted.
Road closures are in place to protect the public and for firefighters to deal with the fire.
Police closures have been put in place at the B3351 junction with Swanage Road, Ulwell Road and Knoll Beach.
Purbeck Police issued a statement on Facebook which said:
“The ferry road, Studland, was closed due to a large fire near the ferry terminal.
“Access to studland is restricted with road closures on the Ulwell road, the B3351 J/W Swanage road and also closed at Knoll beach.”
This is a developing story. More to follow.