EIGHT caravans were damaged after a fire broke out next to a popular holiday park in Poole, which led to holidaymakers being evacuated. 

The fire happened at Ham Common, close to the Haven Rockley Park Holiday Park in Hamworthy. 

The blaze was reported to the fire service at 1.37pm on Thursday. 

Bournemouth Echo:

Picture: Alan Waller

The fire involved an area of hedgerow and gorse measuring 100 metres. 

Fire crews from Poole, Redhill Park, Westbourne, Hamworthy, Wimborne and Springbourne attended along with a 4x4 pump and two water carriers.

Dorset Police said they were called at 1.38pm and had initially been called to evacuate residents and make the scene safe.

However, a spokesperson later said they hadn't had to assist with evacuation.

Bournemouth Echo:

Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service said the fire had been caused by discarded smoking materials.

Firefighters are due to visit the site again at 7pm on Thursday night to carry out another inspection.

A spokesperson for Rockley Park said: “There was a fire on heathland on Ham Common which is adjacent to the boundary of our site.

"Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue attended quickly and got the fire under control and kept it away from the park.

"Caravans close to the incident had already been evacuated and we will now undertake checks to ensure there is no damage from smoke to these units. Our appreciation goes to the fire service for their swift and professional response.”