FIREFIGHTERS from across the county joined a huge effort to extinguish a large industrial fire off the A31.

Around 45 firefighters were called to the blaze off Dorchester Road (the A31) at Sturminster Marshall late on Thursday, October 17.

Smoke and high flames engulfed a site off the busy road at around 8pm, prompting a large emergency response.

Firefighters from Wimborne fire station predicted early into fighting the flames that the A31 would have to be closed.

Police closed the road between Winterborne Zelston and Winterborne Tomson.

Emergency services remain at the scene this morning (Friday, October 18) with an investigation set to be launched later today.

(Image: Wimborne fire station)

(Image: Swanage fire station)

(Image: Swanage fire station)

(Image: Swanage fire station)

(Image: Swanage fire station)

A fireman from Wimborne said: "Crews remain at the scene of last night’s fire at Sturminster Marshall.

"Thankfully, the smoke is no longer causing an issue and the A31 is unaffected.

"Thanks to the Red Lion in the village for looking after local residents when they were temporarily displaced."

Earlier in the night, firefighters warned: "Thick smoke is drifting towards Wimborne, and the A31 could soon be closed. Please avoid the area if possible."

Swanage fire station was called out at 11.30pm to help. A spokesman said: "One pump from Swanage station was sent for relief duties to a large fire near Wimborne which started last evening. 

"The crew spent all night on scene providing water for ground monitors that had been put in place to cool down several cylinders that were involved in the fire."

A spokeswoman for Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service said an investigation into the cause will start later today once it's safe to do so.

She said: "At the height of the incident, we had crews in attendance from Wimborne, Poole (x3), Hamworthy, Bere Regis, Blandford (x2) and Redhill Park, together with a support appliance from Hamworthy, water carriers from Ringwood and Bridport, and the Unimog from Wareham – approximately 45 firefighters.

"The wooden building was fully involved on fire; also affected were multiple tractor units and motorbikes.

"Firefighters have had to maintain a safe distance due to the shed also containing a number of acetylene and LPG cylinders.

"As at 7.30am on 18 October, we remain on scene with two fire crews, two water carriers and a support appliance. There is no longer an issue with smoke and the A31 is unaffected.

"There will be a better indication of how the incident is progressing once it’s daylight and we can hopefully use a drone to gauge the status of the cylinders and any hotspots.

She added: "Some people living close to the fire were temporarily displaced last night, and our thanks go to the Red Lion in Sturminster Marshall for looking after them."

Dorset Police's spokesman added officers were called at 8.05pm from the fire service to assist with traffic management.

A cordon was put in place, he said, and added: "It was reported at around 10.30pm that no further police assistance was required and officers left the scene."