Firefighters from across Dorset were tackling a thatch fire at a house in Purbeck.

The fire service was called at 8.40pm last night (April 20) to the incident at New Line, Morden near Wareham..

Initially, crews from Wareham, Swanage, Poole (x2), Westbourne, Redhill Park plus a high rise from Westbourne, an Incident Support Unit from Poole, a Water Carrier from Poole Fire Station and several officers were mobilised to the fire to carry out various roles.

Sandbanks Ferry was also integral with this incident by assisting with transporting several crews from the Bournemouth and Poole area across to the Purbeck area.

When the first crew from Wareham Fire Station arrived, the roof of the house was well alight.

Further fire engines were requested which attended from Wimborne (x2), Sturminster Newton, Blandford and Springbourne Fire Stations.

To extinguish the fire a fire break was established in the roof and crews proceeded to strip away the thatch. The fire was extinguished using two main lines, six hose reel jets and a compressed air foam hose, and was under control by 10.43pm.

Crews also salvaged property from inside the premises for the occupier. The Red Cross also assisted with this incident by sending their Fire Emergency Support vehicle to provide help and assistance for the occupiers.

Firefighters have now left the scene, however a team will be going back to reinspect again in the morning.

Swanage Fire Station said: " We attended a 10 pump thatch fire near Wareham. On arrival the roof was well alight and all crews worked very hard to make a fire break and strip the roof of the thatch which helped reduce the damage to the inside of the property."

Updates to follow.