Teams of firefighters worked through the night to tackle a large barn fire near Dorchester.

The fire broke out at Maiden Castle Farm yesterday evening.

A spokesman for Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service said crews were called at 8.30pm on Sunday.

Fire crews from Weymouth, Dorchester and Maiden Newton attended the scene along with water carriers from Bridport and Poole.

Dorset Echo:

The scene of the last night's fire. Credit: Dorchester Fire Station

The fire spokesman added: “They used four main lines and hay drags to extinguish the fire. The stop message was received at 10.30pm, but crews remained on scene until 3am & returned at 7am this morning to reinspect.”

Crews have been dampening down the scene this morning.

Last night, residents were warned of a large smoke plume in the area and asked to keep their windows and doors closed, while the crews tackled the blaze.

Another smoke warning has been issued this morning.

A spokesman for Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service said: " We have taken advice from the Met Office about the weather owing to an ongoing smoke plume. We would continue to advise residents of Dorchester to keep their windows and doors closed as we believe the smoke will start to blow across the town. If residents are concerned about their health regarding the smoke plume, we would advise they contact 111. There is the potential for smoke to start blowing across the nearby A35 so we would also advise drivers to take extra care.”