Date: 18th January, 2025
Time: 10:05pm
Description: We were called at 10:05pm on 18 January to Prince of Wales Road, Dorchester to reports of a property fire involving the roof. Crews were initially mobilised from Dorchester, Weymouth and Bere Regis. Followed by a second crew from Weymouth, crews from Bridport (x2), Portland, Blandford, Wareham, Yeovil (Devon and Somerset FRS), the aerial ladder platform from Yeovil and a command unit from Hamworthy. At the height of the incident, we had approximately 50 firefighters in attendance.
Ten breathing apparatus wearers used multiple main lines and hose reel jets to extinguish. Attendance was scaled back to 3 appliances and the aerial ladder platform.
Our stop came in at 2.32am this morning (19 January) and a fire investigation will take place when it's safe to do so.
The crews did a great job at assisting residents from all levels of the building and we believe 11 residents were displaced and rehoused by the local authority.
We'd like to take the opportunity to thank you for the patience and support received.
3.30pm, 19 January update: An investigation has now taken place and the cause of the fire is believed to be accidental, due to a fault in a double-wall socket.
Location: Prince of Wales Road, Dorchester, UK