NEARLY 30 firefighters were called to a fire at a hotel in Bournemouth on Thursday evening.

Dorset Fire and Rescue Service received at a call at 8.15pm to the Highcliff Marriott hotel on the West Cliff after reports of a fire in the basement involving a tumble dryer.

The high rise ladder was also requested and a command support unit.

Firefighters wearing breathing apparatus tackled the fire using a hose reel and main line, bringing it under control by 9pm.

Guests were temporarily evacuated to the Tiien Thai restaurant next door.

It is thought the fire was caused by a build-up of heat which ignited oil residue on some towels.

There was damage to the towels and tumble dryer as well as smoke damage to the basement and ground floor.