FIREFIGHTERS were called to reports to a fire in the open on Bournemouth's Bath Road earlier this afternoon.

Smoke and flames could be seen on the top of the cliffs, and people watched the drama unfold from Bournemouth beach.

Dorset Police closed part of the seafront while the fire service tackled the flames.

One fire engine from Westbourne Fire Station attended the scene, shortly before 3.30pm.

They found an area roughly 50 metres by 10 meters of peat alight, and quickly had the fire under control.

Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service (DWFRS) confirmed: "One crew remained dampening down afterwards, but the cause of the fire is unknown."

Despite the uncertain cause, DWFRS has renewed its call for people to not use disposable barbecues or light any campfires this weekend.

Despite some rain the ground remains tinder dry and it only takes a spark to start a major incident.