Date: 24th September, 2020
3am update
Approx. 110 firefighters are currently tackling a significant blaze affecting a derelict hotel in Bournemouth.
Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service was called to Gervis Road at 11.26pm to a four-storey building well alight.
Sixteen crews using main jets and hose reel jets to tackle the fire, and two aerial ladder platforms (ALPs) are in use. A high volume pump from Christchurch has also been sent to the scene to boost the water supply.
Two neighbouring hotels have been evacuated as a precaution, with all residents accommodated at other hotels for the night. There has been some fire spread to the roof of one building, but this is now under control.
DWFRS crews in attendance are Springbourne, Westbourne, Redhill Park, Christchurch (two), Poole (three), Ferndown, Hamworthy, Wimborne (two) and Verwood, together with the ALP from Westbourne and a support unit from Hamworthy.
Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service has sent crews from New Milton (two) and Burley, together with a water carrier from Ringwood and the ALP from St Mary’s in Southampton, both with supporting pumps.
Local people are being advised to be aware of the smoke still issuing from the scene and are asked not to call 999 unless they are certain the fire they are seeing is not this incident. Anyone in close proximity to the affected area should keep doors and windows closed as a precaution.
The Service anticipates that this will be a protracted incident, with crews expected to remain at the scene for much of Thursday. A fire investigation will take place once it is safe to do so.