Date: 15th November, 2020
5.30pm update
A significant fire at the Dorset Council depot on Chickerell Road, Chickerell has been brought under control by Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service.
Over fifty 999 calls were received after the fire broke out shortly after 2pm today (15 November), as plumes of black smoke were seen across the Weymouth area and a number of explosions were heard.
Approx. 90 firefighters have been on site tackling the blaze, which has affected multiple refuse lorries and ancillary vehicles, although adjacent buildings have been saved.
There have been 15 fire crews in attendance – from Weymouth, Portland, Bridport, Dorchester, Wareham, Charmouth, Poole, Beaminster, Lyme Regis, Sherborne, Swanage, Blandford and Hamworthy – together with aerial ladder platforms from Weymouth and Westbourne, water carriers from Poole and Yeovil, and support appliances from Poole, Hamworthy and Gillingham.
Water supply was an issue, so the high volume pump from Christchurch was deployed, but this wasn’t needed and has now been returned.
With the fire now contained, the Service’s attendance will be scaled back from 6pm to eight crews, two water carriers and one aerial ladder platform. It is expected that firefighters will remain on scene through the night and into tomorrow, although the attendance will scale back further as the incident continues to be brought to a close.
There were issues at the start of the fire about the amount of smoke rising from the site; this has now mostly diminished but local people should still keep doors and windows closed as a precaution if they are concerned.
At this stage, what started the fire is unknown; a full investigation will start tomorrow when it is safe to do so.
Dorset Council has said that waste services in the Weymouth area will be suspended on 15 November due to the impact of the fire; further updates can be found on their website www.dorsetcouncil.gov.uk or via their social media.
4pm post
Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service is currently dealing with a significant fire at the Dorset Council depot on Chickerell Road, Chickerell.
Over fifty 999 calls were received after the fire broke out shortly after 2pm, as plumes of black smoke were seen across the Weymouth area and a number of explosions were heard.
As at 4pm, there are approx. 90 firefighters on site tackling the blaze, which is affecting multiple refuse lorries. Crews are working hard to contain the fire and prevent it from spreading to buildings on site.
There are currently 15 fire crews in attendance – from Weymouth, Portland, Bridport, Dorchester, Wareham, Charmouth, Poole, Beaminster, Lyme Regis, Sherborne, Swanage, Blandford and Hamworthy – together with aerial ladder platforms from Weymouth and Westbourne, water carriers from Poole and Yeovil, and support appliances from Poole, Hamworthy and Gillingham.
Water supply is an issue, so the high volume pump from Christchurch has also been deployed.
Local residents have been advised to keep doors and windows closed as a precaution while smoke continues to rise from the site.
The cause of the fire will be investigated once it is safe to do so.