Date: 16th December, 2021
An investigation is underway into a fire that caused severe damage to a block of flats in Poole Road, Bournemouth this morning (16 December).
Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service was called at 7.12am and, at the height of the incident, there were approx. 60 firefighters on scene – from Westbourne, Springbourne, Redhill Park, Christchurch (x2), Poole (x3) and Ferndown, together with Hampshire & Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service crews from Ringwood, Wimborne, New Milton and Burley.
Also mobilised were the aerial ladder platform from Westbourne, support appliances from Hamworthy and Dorchester, and a water carrier from Poole.
As of 3.30pm, the incident was being scaled back to three fire appliances and the aerial ladder platform, with firefighters continuing to damp down and check for hotspots. Poole Road remains closed and is likely to stay that way for some hours.
A total of 62 residents were evacuated from the affected part of the building, including 21 rescued by firefighters. Three people suffered smoke inhalation and were treated at the scene by South Western Ambulance Service.
The nearby Premier Inn hotel has been providing shelter for those displaced, and officers from BCP Council have been supporting those needing alternative accommodation.
Group Manager Richard Coleman, who was incident commander, said: “All residents of the building were evacuated in a safe and ordered manner, and we are incredibly grateful to the staff at the adjacent Premier Inn, who gave shelter and support to those affected. Our colleagues from BCP Council are now liaising with the residents and their families to help them going forward, and our thanks go them and our many other partner agencies for their help throughout the day.”
He added: “While the cause of the fire remains under investigation, we’re comfortable that it started accidentally. We will be leaving the scene once it is safe to do so, and the road should reopen at that point. This was a complex incident due to the numbers of people needing assistance, and our firefighters did a fantastic job in getting everyone to safety and containing the fire.”