Holidaymakers are being told to avoid a popular Dorset beach after a major fire. Around 90 firefighters are currently battling the fire in the Studland area, which has led to the suspension of local ferry services today (August 12). Emergency crews are currently assisting visitors from the area as long traffic queues are reported in nearby towns and villages. Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service is urging the public to avoid the Ferry Road area and “stay away from the heath”. Group Manager Brad Stevens said: “The fire is affecting an area of approximately 200m x 200m and creating a lot of smoke. Anyone in the area of concern should keep doors and windows closed. “Our crews are fighting the fire from all sides, using multiple jets and strikes, and National Trust staff are using machinery to build a fire. “Anyone currently on the peninsula will be able to leave via the chain ferry, which runs a one-way passenger service to Poole only. “It will be very busy as the evening continues, so people are advised to be aware of potential delays and prepare accordingly.” Video by Crispian Covell. An eyewitness told ITV Meridian that the smoke was seen at around 1pm this afternoon (Friday 12 August). Wayne Dyson, who was in nearby South Beach at the time, turned around to see “black smoke” further down the boardwalk. “I was in South Beach, we looked around 1 o’clock in the afternoon and we saw a lot of black smoke,” he said. “My first thought was that I hoped everyone was OK. I was worried about the flames and smoke – it just kept getting bigger and bigger. I could see it from Ferry Road in the distance. “We checked the news to see what was going on and then we realized the heath was on fire. The grass is dry here so I understand how it spread so quickly.” Eyewitnesses said they saw smoke around 1 p.m. Credit: Crispian Covell The fire has led to the suspension of the Sandbanks Ferry, which is unable to operate to the Studland Peninsula. The company is urging drivers and pedestrians to avoid the area. Emergency services are using the ferry, which is taking crews to Studland bringing back stranded tourists. The company said: “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.” Sandbanks Ferry is now suspended. Credit: Cat Reid Local buses have also been suspended due to the fire. MoreBus, which operates to and from the area, now only operates a service between Studland and Swanage. The service will run hourly and passengers are advised to take the bus for “all” journeys. The operator said: “We will be running a bus once an hour between Studland Village and Swanage. “ALL passengers will need to take the bus to Swanage to travel to Poole and Bournemouth. Please allow extra time for your journey.” Police have closed the nearby streets. Credit: Purbeck Police Motorists in the area are advised that access to Studland is restricted. Road closures are in place to protect the public and to allow firefighters to extinguish the fire. Police closures are in place at the B3351 junction with Swanage Road, Ulwell Road and Knoll Beach. Purbeck Police issued a statement on Facebook which said: “Ferry Road, Studland is closed due to a large fire near the ferry terminal. “Access to studland is restricted due to road closures on Ulwell road, B3351 J/W Swanage road and also closed on Knoll beach.” This is a developing story. More to come.
