A HUGE fire has ripped through Dorset with officials declaring a major incident and urging locals to stay away.
The blaze first sparked just after 11am this morning at Holt Heath, north of Wimborne, as it quickly spread due to high winds.
X/SurreyPalmsWXA huge fire has ripped through Dorset[/caption]
AlamyThe blaze first sparked just after 11am this morning at Holt Heath, north of Wimborne, as it quickly spread[/caption]
A huge plume of smoke could be seen reaching over eight miles away from the origin of the blaze.
Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue said firefighters from 12 different stations – including Hampshire & Isle of Wight and Devon & Somerset – were sent out to tackle the flames.
Several people were seen standing in the path of the fires watching them as fire crews warned them to move away.
The service released a statement warning: “This fire is moving quickly and they could easily get caught out if they are too close and the fire spreads towards them.”
People living nearby have also been urged to keep their windows and doors closed.
Around 20 homes were evacuated as a precaution.
Holt Road has been closed by the junction with Higher Road and in Hold Heath village since this afternoon.
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