THE LEADER of BCP Council has praised the “swift and professional work” of firefighters in their efforts to extinguish a large flat fire in Bournemouth.

Twelve appliances, including an aerial ladder platform, spent 10 hours battling the blaze on the third floor of a building on Holdenhurst Road, which started at 4pm on Saturday August 8.

The cause of the fire is still under investigation but is believed to be accidental.

A spokesman from Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service said: “We were called to a fire in a flat on the third floor of a building on Holdenhurst Road, Bournemouth at 16.02pm on Saturday August 8.

“Due to difficult firefighting conditions, at the height of the incident we had 12 appliances on scene, an Aerial Ladder Platform and special vehicles from across our service area, as well as crews from Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service.

“The heat meant frequent changing over of crews and as the roof was a mansard structure, the fire spread into voids which were difficult to reach – hence the need for the ALP to fight the fire from above.

“No rescues were made as the property was vacant at the time.”

The fire crews’ efforts came to a stop at 2.47am but a crew stayed on scene overnight to dampen down. All appliances left the scene by 1.30pm on Sunday afternoon.

The fire started on the third floor and spread to the roof structure which was completely damage, whilst the floors below suffered smoke and water damage.

Council members and residents have hailed the endeavours of firefighters as they tackled the fire on the hottest day of the year so far.

Cllr Vikki Slade, leader of BCP Council, said: “The swift and professional work of Dorset & Wiltshire Fire Service over the weekend in what were undoubtedly challenging conditions should be highly commended.

“I am of course relieved that no-one was hurt in the blaze and want to thank the officers for their work.

“Our duty officers were kept informed throughout the incident to ensure that any actions that needed to be taken during the incident could be addressed as happens with such multi-agency events.”

Whilst Kayla reported severe damage to their restaurant, the extent of issues caused by the fire will be uncovered by BCPO Council’s Building Control team.

Cllr Slade added: “Once safe access to the properties has been provided and the area has been secured, our Building Control team will be in attendance to assess the full extent of damage to the building and to ensure the safety of the general public.

“The future of the building, including repairs will then become the responsibility of the owners.

“We also can confirm that there has been no requirement for us provide temporary housing for anyone displaced as a result of the fire.”