Fire crews were called to a barn on fire near Sherborne in the early hours of this morning (April 22).

Crews from Yeovil, Sherborne and Bridport were mobilised to Leigh at 3.10am.

They tackled the fire using breathing apparatus, 45mm main lines, a ground monitor and a hose reel jet.

At precisely the same time, crews from Weymouth and Dorchester were mobilised to a fire at a commercial property in Weymouth.

On Wednesday Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service issued its second amber wildfire alert of the year.

The alert applies to the coming weekend and the service is warning that there is a higher-than-usual risk of a wildfire starting.

This is due to the warm, dry and breezy weather - should a fire start, it is likely to spread quickly.

Farmers are advised, where possible, to be prepared by making sure that fire breaks are cut and well maintained, with any cut vegetation removed from the site.

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Group manager Stu Gillion issued a particular warning to visitors.

He said: “With the school holidays still underway, and continued good weather, we know that people will be out and about, and we want to be sure that the local area stays as safe as it can be for everyone.

"If you’re visiting our heathlands, woodlands or countryside, please avoid having a campfire and take a picnic rather than use a disposable barbecue – just a few simple steps can make a real difference to preventing fire from starting.”