Residents in Dorchester have woken this morning to the devastating news of a fire in South Street.
The fire broke out in the early hours this morning in the Gorge Café in the town.
Fire crews from around Dorchester were alerted to the blaze at 3.34am today (9th December). The service sent crews from Dorchester, Weymouth, Portland, Wareham, Beaminster, Blandford, Charmouth and Poole, together with an aerial ladder platform from Yeovil and a support appliance from Hamworthy, plus water carriers from Bridport and Yeovil.
Approximately 50 firefighters were on scene dealing with the incident.
The building has partially collapsed, and there is significant smoke in the local area. The fire is also affecting two adjacent properties via the roof spaces. No injuries have been reported, but a number of local residents have been moved to a safe place.
South Street and parts of Trinity Street are currently closed to enable the firefighting operation.
At this stage, the cause of the fire is unknown, but an investigation will be carried out when it is safe to do so.
Residents in Dorchester have been shocked by this news this morning, many recalling the countless vits they made to the Café over the years.
Read latest update: Latest on Dorchester fire which has destroyed the Gorge Cafe
Pictures from Dorchester Fire Station.
