Firefighters extinguish huge scrapyard blaze in Portesham

Multiple firecrews were called to GP Metals & Spares off the B3157 coast road just before 7pm yesterday (April 26).

A smoke plume from the site could be seen for miles and families in Dorset were told to keep their doors and windows shut while crews dealt with the large fire.

Eight fire engines, two water carriers, an environmental protection unit and two support units were at the scene last night.

Scrapyard fire in Portesham. Picture: Graham Hunt Photography

Police attended to close the coast road road which was reopened just after 11pm as firefighters tackled the blaze.

A spokesman for Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service said: "At 6.54pm yesterday evening, we were called to a fire on Bramdon Lane, Portesham, involving a large number of scrap vehicles and parts.

"Crews from Dorchester (two), Weymouth, Portland, Bridport (two), Yeovil and Seaton attended the incident along with an environmental protection unit from Gillingham, water Carriers from Bridport and Yeovil and support units from Salisbury and Dorchester.

"Main lines and plant machinery was used to tackle the fire, which was surrounded and under control just before 9.30pm. Our stop came through at 10.10pm when the incident was scaled back to just three fire engines and a water carrier, who remained on scene dampening down until just after 1am. The road was reopened just after 11pm.

"A reinspection was carried out this morning with a thermal imaging camera and a further inspection will take place at 2pm this afternoon."

Scrapyard fire in Portesham. Picture: Graham Hunt Photography

A spokesman for Dorset Police said: "Dorset Police was called at 7.15pm on Monday, April 25, by the fire service to a report of a fire in the Bramdon Lane area of Portesham near Weymouth.

"Officers attended to assist with road closures. The roads were reopened at around 11.10pm."

A spokesman for Bridport Fire Station said: "The fifth call out for yesterday involved all three of our appliances being mobilised to a commercial fire in Portesham involving scrapped cars.

"Our first pump was used for command support. The second for main pumping, including the use of foam and the water carrier was used to supply water to the incident.

"At its height eight fire engines, two water carriers and two support vehicles were in attendance. The fire was brought under control and scaled back by approximately 11pm."