Thatch cottage fire in Affpuddle

Around 20 crews from across the county were sent to the fire in Affpuddle around 7.20pm on Thursday.

A spokesperson for Dorset Fire and Rescue said: "We immediately mobilised two fire engines and an Ariel ladder platform.

"The first crew then requested the attendance of three more fire engines due to to the thatch on the property being alight, these were sent from Dorchester, Blandford and Poole.

Firefighters from across #WestDorset currently dealing with a thatch fire in #Affpuddle Approx 50 firefighters are dealing with the fire & trying to salvage property. Please avoid the area.#thatch #fire #dorset 🚒👨‍🚒👩‍🚒 pic.twitter.com/OPN8r3ResM

— Dorset&Wiltshire FRS (@DWFireRescue) November 1, 2018

"A water carrier was also requested shortly after which was sent from Poole.

"At the height of the blaze, we had a total of 9 pumping appliances, an Ariel ladder platform, a water carrier and a command support vehicle in attendance.

" Attending Stations included Bere Regis, Bridport, Dorchester, Poole, Westbourne, Hamworthy, Blandford, Maiden Newton, Portland, Wimborne, Swanage, Weymouth, Cranborne, Sturminster Newton, Sherborne and Redhill Park."

Crews remain on scene this morning removing thatch from the roof of the property and dampening down. The cause of this incident is under investigation.

Footage from this morning of #Affpuddle incident. Crews have stripped thatch off the property to extinguish the fire. Cause is currently under investigation. pic.twitter.com/6YZ6oH9RUa

— Dorset&Wiltshire FRS (@DWFireRescue) November 2, 2018

Police have been asked to close the B3390 from the Puddletown bypass down to Affpuddle.

People are being asked to avoid the area.

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