DRIVERS are being urged to park only in the car parks at Studland after motorists ignored ‘no parking’ signs yesterday as firefighters continue to deal with the aftermath of Friday’s huge fire.

Firefighters remain on the scene of the fire this morning with fire crews to continue monitoring the site for the rest of the day.

The fire is believed to have been caused by a campfire and barbecue after they were discovered at the sea of the fire.

Read more: Major heath fire at Studland 'believed to be caused by barbecue or campfire'

Giving an update on Sunday morning, Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service said: “Firefighters are still on scene this morning and at midday the incident will be scaled back further to one appliance for monitoring throughout the rest of the day. 

“Our equipment is still in use along Ferry Road and the NO PARKING restriction will remain in place to allow us to continue to work.

“Some vehicles have been towed away due to ignoring the signs so please do not park there, car parks are available.”

On Saturday, Purbeck Police said 60 fines had been issued and three vehicles towed away at Studland after ignoring ‘no parking’ signs.

Bournemouth Echo: Picture by Purbeck PolicePicture by Purbeck Police

Dorset Police said on Saturday it had received reports of 300 drivers parking along Ferry Road despite being told not to.

A spokesperson said: “We have been called to reports that more than 300 cars have ignored the council’s no parking signs that have been placed along Ferry Road in Studland to allow the fire service to tackle the large heath fire there.

“The parking restrictions are in place because the water hose is running along the road to allow firefighters to deal with this incident. We have even received reports that motorists have been moving the hose so they can park up.

“We would urge anyone who has done this to please return to their vehicles and move them.

“Please do not park here: our fire colleagues are working in extreme conditions to tackle this blaze and they need the public to help them, not hinder them.”

Access to Studland was closed off on Saturday with the Sandbanks Ferry taken out of service and Ferry Road and surrounding roads closed off during the multi-agency response to the fire.

Smoke could be seen billowing from miles around.