FIREFIGHTERS in North Dorset have tackled a property fire involving sheds and outhouses that contained petrol.

The incident happened at Milton On Stour, near Gillingham, earlier today at around 1pm.

The sheds also contained lawn mowers and other gardening equipment.

Two fire appliances were mobilised from Gillingham and Shaftesbury after the service was alerted.

Upon arriving, firefighters found the buildings well alight. Firefighters got to work using one main line before augmenting their water supply.

Firefighters were assisted by breathing apparatus to tackle the blaze. Crews took precautions by covering drains with clay mats to mitigate any water run off.

The cause of the fire is believed to have been accidental after hot ashes were placed in a plastic bin by mistake.

A shed and outhouse roof were severely damaged by the fire, which contained four ride on lawn mowers, three push mowers, a petrol strimmer, and a quantity of hand tools. Barge boards and soffits of an adjoining property were also damaged.

An appliance from Mere, Wiltshire, came into the county to act as a stand-by crew at Gillingham whilst firefighters tackled the blaze.