A significant fire broke out at a residential block on Copper Street, Dorchester, on Thursday evening (29 August), requiring a large-scale response from fire services across the region.
Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service (DWFRS) confirmed they were first called to the scene at 6.43pm following reports of a flat fire. Initial crews from Dorchester, Weymouth, Bridport, Wareham, and Yeovil were quickly mobilised to tackle the blaze.
Firefighters wearing breathing apparatus entered the building, using main jets and hose reels in a concerted effort to bring the flames under control. As a precautionary measure, residents in surrounding properties were evacuated to ensure their safety.
The incident rapidly escalated due to the scale of the fire. By 8.45pm, a total of 13 fire appliances were in attendance. This included additional crews from Blandford, Bere Regis, Beaminster, Maiden Newton, and Martock, with command and support units also deployed to the scene.
After hours of intense firefighting, crews had successfully contained the blaze by 10.30pm. The number of appliances was gradually reduced throughout the night, with relief crews brought in from Portland, Lyme Regis, and Shaftesbury to continue damping down operations.
The incident was finally scaled back at approximately 11pm, with a smaller contingent of three appliances and an aerial ladder platform from Salisbury remaining on site. The stop message, officially declaring the fire extinguished, was received at 1.39am on Friday morning (30 August).
In an update at 9am on Friday, a DWFRS spokesperson provided further details: “The fire started on the balcony of a second-floor flat and has affected four floors in total. The cause is currently believed to be accidental.”
Thankfully, no casualties have been reported.
The aftermath of the fire is now being managed collaboratively. The building has been handed over to the site manager, and a structural engineers’ assessment is underway in conjunction with the local authority. The British Red Cross is also at the scene, providing vital support to displaced residents and emergency service personnel. A reinspection of the property by fire service officials was due to take place later on Saturday.
