An investigation is continuing after a major fire at Keel House on Dorchester Road forced residents from all 32 flats to flee the building in the early hours of 20 September.
The blaze broke out in a top-floor flat shortly before 00:40 BST before rapidly spreading into the roof space. Firefighters faced a major challenge as flames and smoke spread through the upper part of the building, with around 30 firefighters working to bring the fire under control.
Fortunately, nobody was reported injured, but the scale of the fire left dozens of residents unable to return to their homes.
The building, which is managed by Aster Group, has since required significant support, with Dorset Council and Aster working together to arrange temporary accommodation for those displaced.
Local community organisations have also stepped forward to help residents affected by the disaster. Dorchester’s food bank, a local charity shop and Dorchester United Football Club are among those offering practical assistance and support.
The circumstances surrounding the fire remain the subject of a police and fire investigation.
Dorset Police has also confirmed that officers are investigating a separate report concerning access to the building. Police said entry was believed to have been gained shortly after midday on Monday. A glass door was reportedly damaged, although officers said it had not been established whether anything was stolen.
Two people, a man and a woman, were arrested on suspicion of arson with intent to endanger life following the fire. Both have subsequently been released on police bail while enquiries continue.
At this stage, the investigation has not established the cause of the fire, and residents and the wider community will have to wait for investigators to establish exactly what happened.
The incident has nevertheless highlighted the devastating consequences a serious fire can have on an entire residential community. While no injuries were reported, 32 households were suddenly faced with leaving their homes and finding themselves dependent on temporary accommodation and community support.
For those residents, the aftermath will continue long after the flames have been extinguished. The immediate priority remains ensuring they have somewhere safe to stay and access to the practical and emotional support they need while investigators work to establish how the fire started and whether anyone should face further criminal proceedings.
