Date: 29th June, 2020
An investigation is underway into the cause of a fire in a block of flats in Dorchester this morning (29 June).
Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service was called to the five storey building on Bitter End at 4.02am, after multiple reports of a fire in a communal area on the second floor.
Fire Control provided fire survival guidance to callers while also mobilising eight fire appliances – from Dorchester (two), Weymouth, Bere Regis, Maiden Newton, Portland and Bridport (two) – together with the aerial appliance from Weymouth and a support unit from Hamworthy.
Firefighters rescued two people by ladder from a second floor balcony, while two others were led to safety from another flat on the same floor. The whole building was evacuated as a precaution.
Four breathing apparatus wearers used two main jets and two hose reel jets to extinguish the fire, which was contained to the affected communal area.
Volunteers from the British Red Cross emergency response team based at Springbourne fire station are attending the scene to support those affected. All occupants have been accounted for and no injuries are reported.
An investigation is underway to establish the cause of the fire, which is believed to have been started deliberately. No arrests have yet been made and enquiries into the circumstances are ongoing by Dorset Police.