THE A31 had to be closed both ways by police as firefighters tackled a fire near Ferndown this morning.

Multiple fire crews dealt with the fire at Uddens Plantation just off the A31 at 9.11am on Wednesday, July 13.

The fire involved an area of woodland measuring 30 x 5 metres.

Police were called to the scene to assist with traffic management.

Fire crews from Wimborne, Ferndown and Redhill attended along with the 4X4 Land Rovers from Poole and Wimborne along with the water carrier from Ringwood.

A Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service spokesperson said the fire was extinguished using one main line and the fire was dealt with an hour later with one fire engine remaining on the scene to dampen down hot spots.

A Dorset Police spokesperson said: “Dorset Police received a report from the fire service at 9.59am on Wednesday 13 July 2022 of a fire near Uddens Drive in Colehill.

“Officers attended to assist with traffic management.

“The road was cleared at around 11.25am.”