FIREFIGHTERS battled throughout the night to contain a large barn blaze.
Crews from Dorchester, Sturminster Newton, Weymouth, Blandford and Wimborne were called to the incident in Higher Melcombe, Melcombe Bingham,along with water carriers from Poole and Bridport, and a support unit from Hamworthy.
On arrival, firefighters found a barn, measuring approximately 50m x 100m, well alight.
Breathing apparatus wearers have been using main lines to tackle the fire and prevent it spreading to adjacent buildings overnight.
The incident was scaled back to three fire engines and two water carriers just before 5am this morning.
By 8.30am, the fire had been brought under control with just two fire engines and a water carrier in attendance, allowing the remaining fire to burn out.
As of 11am, just one crew from Poole is in attendance.
A spokesperson for Sturminster Newton Fire Station said: "We are currently in attendance at an incident involving a barn fire in the Melcombe Bingham area, and are likely to be on scene throughout the night and into tomorrow morning.
"Due to the large smoke plume, local residents are advised to keep windows and doors closed."
A spokesperson for Dorchester Fire Station said: "Crews worked hard to prevent the fire spreading to nearby barns using multiple hoses and breathing apparatus.
"This incident is still ongoing, so please keep doors and windows closed if you live in the area due to the smoke plume."
One pump and the water carrier remain on scene.
More to follow
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