Christchurch Salvation Army building to be out of action for weeks after fire

Emergency services were called to the Stour Road building just after 4pm on Sunday after Minister in Charge, Major Jean McDevitte, discovered the fire.

She and her husband, Major Cairns McDevitte, heard the fire alarm sounding as they approached the building to open up for the evening service.

When they opened the door, there was a strong smell of smoke so they alerted Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue.

A spokesman for the fire service said three appliances, two from Christchurch and one from Springbourne, were sent to the scene.

A fire was discovered in a storage room of the single storey building and four sets of breathing apparatus and two hose reel jets were used to extinguish it.

The spokesman said the matter was referred to the police because it was of "questionable origin."

A spokeswoman for Dorset Police said officers attended, initially to deal with possible traffic problems due to the presence of the fire engines.

She said inquiries are continuing to establish whether or not it was arson.

Major McDevitte said she believes it will be many weeks before the building can be used again.

It is used by many groups and organisations including a choral group and a band, a ladies' craft group and Men's Fellowship, as well as for regular services.

She said: "When we opened the front door there was a really bad smell of smoke so we closed it straightaway and called the fire brigade.

"The store room is completely gutted, there is no electricity and there is smoke damage so we are going to have to stop all our activities which is such a shame."

Anyone with information is asked to call Dorset Police on 101.