A353 closed as 65 firefighters deal with 'significant' Dorset house fire

Approximately 65 firefighters were fighting a blaze at a thatched cottage in Poxwell, with photos from the scene showing the house well alight.

One person was taken to hospital, they were suffering from smoke inhalation.

Firefighters were initially called at 6.43pm for reports of a kitchen fire in one of a pair of semi-detached cottages, which had spread to the thatched roof.

Picture: @DWFireRescue

A spokesman for Portland Fire Station said: "At its peak over 20 appliances were in attendance including multiple specials such as an aerial ladder appliance, water carriers, a command support unit, and an incident support unit."

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As of 8.15pm, 13 fire crews from across Dorset including Weymouth, Bridport, Beaminster, Wareham and Poole were trying to contain the blaze.

All of the occupants were accounted for and possessions from the affected homes have been salvaged. 

Picture: Dorchester Fire Station

The A353 between Warmwell Cross Roundabout and Osmington Mills was closed as emergency services attend the scene. It has since been reopened.

Dorset Police has told people to "please avoid the area."

A spokesman for Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue said earlier on Thursday evening: "We are currently dealing with a significant house fire, which means the A353 at Poxwell between Warmwell Cross Roundabout and Osmington Mills is closed, please avoid the area."

#RoadClosed A353 at Poxwell between Warmwell Cross Roundabout and Osmington Mills closed whilst @DWFireRescue deap with a property alight. Likely to be lengthy closures.@TravelDorset @HighwaysSWEST @swasFT @firstdorset pic.twitter.com/QKvWgi38sM

— Dorset Traffic Cops (@DorsetTraffic) October 22, 2020you 

Statement in full from fire service 

Around 65 firefighters from across Dorset are at the scene. Picture: Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue.

A spokesman said: "Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service is currently dealing with a significant house fire in Poxwell, which has led to the A353 being closed.

"A 999 call was received at 6.43pm for reports of a kitchen fire in one of a pair of semi-detached cottages, which was spreading to the thatched roof.

"As at 8.15pm, there were 13 fire crews and approximately 65 firefighters on scene – from Weymouth (two), Wareham, Bere Regis, Portland (two), Dorchester, Hamworthy, Poole (two), Beaminster, Bridport and Westbourne – together with an aerial ladder platform from Westbourne, a water carrier from Poole, and support units from Hamworthy and Poole.

"Crews are currently tackling the fire to try and contain it, while also salvaging possessions from the affected homes. All occupants are accounted for. One person was taken to hospital with smoke inhalation.

"The A353 between Warmwell Roundabout and Osmington Mills will be closed for some considerable time, and drivers are asked to avoid the area."