FIREFIGHTERS have been battling a blaze involving cylinders in a yard at Sturminster Marshall overnight.

The incident is believed to have started in a yard yesterday evening (October 17), with crews from the surrounding area – including Wimborne and Swanage – called to tackle the fire.

Nearby properties were evacuated and looked after at the nearby Red Lion pub, fire crews said, before being allowed to return.

And drivers on the nearby A31 were warned of smoke causing visibility issues, though this was dealt with.

This morning (Friday), Wimborne Fire Station said firefighters would commence investigation work once the scene was safe.

“Crews remain at the scene of last night’s fire at Sturminster Marshall,” a spokesperson said. “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.

“A fire investigation will start later today when it’s safe to do so.”

A Swanage Fire Station spokesperson added: “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.”