NINETY firefighters are now tackling a huge heath fire at Studland with people urged to stay away from the Sandbanks Ferry route.

The fire at Studland Heath was reported to the fire service at 1.12pm on Friday afternoon.

Due to the fire being either side of the main Ferry Road, access from and towards Swanage is currently closed.

LIVE: "Avoid the area": 90 firefighters battling huge fire at Studland

Anyone using the harbour is being asked to stay away from the chain ferry route, so the ferry can continue to assist during the incident.

Bournemouth Echo: Picture by James AldermanPicture by James Alderman

The blaze is affecting an area around 200m x 200m and is generating a lot of smoke with residents concerned urged to keep windows and doors closed.

Group manager Brad Stevens said: “The fire affects an area of around 200m x 200m, and is generating a lot of smoke. Anyone in the local area who is concerned should keep doors and windows closed.

"Our crews are fighting the fire on all sides, using multiple jets and beaters, and National Trust staff are using machinery to create a fire break.”

He added: “Anyone who is currently on the peninsula will be able to leave via the chain ferry, which is running one-way with passengers towards Poole only. This will be very busy as the evening goes on, so people are asked to be mindful of the potential delays and prepare accordingly.”

Read: Everything we know so far about Studland heath fire

Fire crews on the scene include Springbourne, Blandford (x2), Poole, Westbourne, Swanage, Christchurch, Bridport, Redhill Park, Verwood, Shaftesbury, Wimborne (x2) and New Milton; small 4x4 appliances from Poole, Christchurch, Swanage, Beaminster, Verwood, Blandford, Bere Regis, Wimborne, Ringwood and Hythe; the Unimog from Wareham; a support unit from Dorchester; and water carriers from Ringwood and Eastleigh.