Dozens of firefighters tackled a barn blaze at Langton Matravers, near Swanage last night

Eyewitnesses said at least four fire engines tackled the blaze at Coombe Hill.

One 73-year-old resident said: “It’s a massive fire – the flames are about 30 ft high and the barn is around 20 metres long.

“I don’t think there’s any residential buildings on fire but there’s lots of properties nearby. I would say they are about 20 metres away.

“There’s a hell of a lot of smoke and the roads are closed.

“I think the barn is used to store hay, straw and vehicles.”

Langton parish councillor Peter White said: “It’s a barn absolutely full of hay on Coombe Farm.

“The fire caught on very, very quickly. They have got four fire engines there.

“The firefighters are hosing down the milking sheds to stop the stone roofs cracking.

“It’s a fair old fire.”

Dorset Police were called at 5.55pm to assist with road closures and diversions.