Date: 26th April, 2026
Time: 5.58pm
Description: We were called to Cornhill, Sherborne at 5.58pm today (26 April) for a fire in a three storey derelict building. Crews are currently on scene from Sherborne, Yeovil, Wincanton, Martock, Crewkerne and Chard, together with the aerial ladder platform and a water carrier from Yeovil and a command unit from Gillingham - approx. 35 firefighters. The A30 at Kithill is likely to remain closed until the morning and diversions are in place. No injuries have been reported. The cause of the fire will be investigated in due course.
10pm update - the incident is being scaled back but firefighting will continue through the night. The building’s roof has collapsed, making the structure even more unsafe.
6.45am, 27 April - We still have two crews damping down. The fire investigator is due back on scene later this morning.
10am, 27 April - Two crews remain on scene, although we will scale back to one in about an hour. An aerial ladder platform is en route to support the fire investigation.
11.15am, 27 April - the stop came in at 10.10am. The aerial ladder platform from Westbourne is now in use by the fire investigator, and partner agencies are on site to determine the structural stability of the building, which has been destroyed by the fire.
3pm, 27 April - Dorset Council's building control surveyors, along with independent structural engineers, remain on scene. Fencing is being installed, and roads will remain closed until the site is made safe. Fire Service activity is now drawing to a close. The fire is believed to be suspicious and Dorset Police are now investigating.
4.30pm, 27 April - fire crews have now left the scene. Dorset Council will reopen the road when it is safe to do so.
Location: Cornhill, Sherborne, UK