MORE than 150 firefighters were called after a large forest fire broke out in Wareham.

Just before 12.30pm on Monday, Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service received a call about a blaze on Sugar Hill in Wareham Forest.

Nearly 30 response vehicles were in attendance, including 28 fire engines and smoke from the fire could be seen for miles.

A spokesperson for DW Fire said: “We received a call at 12:23pm this afternoon about a fire on Sugar Hill in Wareham Forest.

"Over 150 firefighters are now tackling a large fire affecting approx. 100 hectares of heath and woodland at Wareham Forest, with the flames being fanned by strong winds.

"We currently have 28 fire engines in attendance from Bere Regis, Wareham (two), Wimborne, Christchurch (two), Poole (three), Weymouth, Westbourne, Blandford (two), Dorchester (two), Swanage (two), Ferndown, Redhill Park, Sturminster Newton (two), Shaftesbury, Bridport (two), Verwood, Springbourne, Warminster and New Milton; a Unimog from Wareham; water carriers from Poole, Christchurch, Bridport and Yeovil; Land Rover pumps from Poole, Hamworthy, Wimborne, Swanage, Ferndown, Blandford, Christchurch, Beaminster and Charmouth; support units from Hamworthy, Sherborne and Ferndown; and the high volume pump from Christchurch.

Bournemouth Echo:

"Crews are using hose reel jets, main lines and beaters to tackle the fire. Sugar Hill and Bere Road have been closed as the smoke has made them impassable, and the A35 between Bere Regis and Morden Park Corner is also closed at this time.

"The smoke plume is affecting a wide area, and is being blown towards Bournemouth and Poole so, if you are affected and are concerned, please keep windows and doors closed as a precaution.

"Due to electricity pylons in the forest being affected by the fire, there will be some disruption to supplies in the local area. Please use the 105 service if you experience a power cut."

"At this stage, the cause of the fire remains under investigation."