FIVE fire crews were needed to put out a large unattended bonfire in West Dorset.

The call out was originally answered by three crews which mobilised to the unattended bonfire near a barn in Bothenhampton around 9pm yesterday evening.

Due to the narrow farm track crews had to make their way on foot for around 0.3 miles to the fire's location.

As the farm track was unsuitable for large appliances, two Landrovers were requested - attending from Beaminster Fire Station and Maiden Newton Fire Station.

Fire crews said wind was blowing the fire's embers towards the adjacent barn containing hay bales and farm machinery.

Bridport's appliances, which were carrying pumps and a water carrier, used hose reel jets and small tools to extinguish the fire.

Once the water put out the fire the incident was handed over to Maiden Newton and Beaminster to continue damping down.

This incident resulted in a large mobilisation of multiple appliances and crew from across West Dorset, including two fire crews from Bridport Fire Station, in South Street, another crew from Charmouth Fire Station, near Bridge Road, and the two Landrovers from Beaminster Fire Station and Maiden Newton Fire Station.

A statement from Dorset & Wiltshire Fire & Rescue Service, said: "If you’re planning on having a bonfire please inform our control by calling 0306 799 0019 and always stay with the fire in case it should go out of control."

For more on this, visit: www.dwfire.org.uk/safety/safety-outdoors/controlled-burning