Studland heath fire: key information and road closures

Both Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service and the police have urged people to avoid the area.

You can follow latest updates in our live blog at the link below but here’s everything we know so far.

LIVE: "Avoid the area": Large fire at Studland with Sandbanks Ferry suspended

What’s happened?

A large fire has broken out at Little Sea which is an area of wetlands at Studland. The fire involves an area of undergrowth and gorse.

Large heathland fire at Littlesea Studland NNR the fire service are in attendance the onshore wind isn’t helping. The Ferry and Ferry road is closed at the moment pic.twitter.com/nIUdfAWp3z

— Rob Johnson (@RobJohn72810618) August 12, 2022

People are being urged to avoid the area, especially Ferry Road, and stay off the heath.

The Sandbanks Ferry is suspended.

What has the fire service said?

Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service said: "We were called to Studland Heath at 1.12pm for a large fire involving undergrowth and gorse.

"We have crews from Springbourne, Poole, Westbourne and Swanage in attendance, with other resources on the way.

"We are asking people to leave the heath for their own safety, and to avoid Ferry Road."

'Leave the heath for your own safety': Huge fire breaks out at Studland

What have police said?

Dorset Police said: "We were called at 1.33pm on Friday 12 August 2022 to a report of a fire on heath near Knoll Beach in Studland. Officers are in attendance and road closures are in place.

"We would ask people to please avoid the area at this time."

What are the road closures?

Ferry Road is closed completely.

Picture by Becky Wood

What’s happening with the Sandbanks Ferry?

The Sandbanks Ferry service is suspended. Emergency services are only letting people off on the Studland peninsula. The road is closed completely on the Studland side.

What’s happening with bus services?

The Morebus Breezer 50 service is being diverted as a result of the Sandbanks Ferry being suspended. Morebus is not serving any stops between Studland village and the ferry terminal at this time.

A Morebus spokesperson said: “We will be running a shuttle bus once an hour between Studland Village and Swanage. ALL passengers should take the shuttle to Swanage for onward travel to Poole and Bournemouth. Please allow extra time for your journey.”