TWELVE fire engines and 65 firefighters are currently responding to a large fire in a fifth-floor flat in Poole.

Over 20 people have been evacuated from the area.

The road is temporarily closed whilst emergency services deal with the incident.

Multiple ambulances, police cars, and fire engines were seen and a large cordon was set up.

Bournemouth Echo:

A spokesperson for DWFRS said: “We received a call at 3.39pm this afternoon (19 March) about a fire involving a fifth-floor flat on Wilderton Road, Poole.

“At the height of the incident, approximately 65 firefighters were in attendance from Westbourne, Springbourne, Redhill Park, Christchurch (x2), Poole (x2), Wimborne, Wareham, Verwood, Ringwood, and New Milton, along with the aerial ladder platform from Westbourne and a support unit from Dorchester.

“A total of 21 residents have been evacuated; good progress has been made and the incident is being scaled back to just four appliances.”

A spokesperson for Dorset Police said: “At 4.13pm on Tuesday 19 March 2024, Dorset Police received a report of fire at a flat in Wilderton Road in Poole.

“Officers are currently in attendance assisting with a road closure.

“Fire and ambulance services are also attending. There are currently no reports of any serious injuries.”

The cause of the fire is unknown.

Daily Echo has contacted Southwestern Ambulance Service for more details.