Kieran Williams reporting.
As of 6pm on Monday evening (9th December), Firefighters are still tackling a blaze which has destroyed the mid-terrace commercial premises on South Street in Dorchester.
After an initial attendance from 11 fire stations, when the fire broke out at approximately 03:30 this morning, the fire service have now scaled back their operation to appliances from Westbourne, Shaftesbury, Swanage, Sturminster Newton and Ferndown, together with a support unit from Dorchester and the aerial ladder platform from Westbourne.
They have said that they hope to scale back further this evening, but expect to maintain a presence overnight. There are still pockets of fire within the collapsed building and two neighbouring properties. The fire service have said that dealing with these properties has been difficult because of their complex construction.
South Street and parts of Trinity Street remain closed to enable the firefighting operation to continue, but they are aiming to get Trinity Street reopened as soon as possible.
On Facebook, staff at Dorchester Fire Station have said: “We are aware that members of the public have been flying drones over the incident ground today. Under Article 265B(3) of the Air Navigation Order 2016, it is an offence for a drone to fly “close to or inside areas” where an emergency response effort is ongoing, unless permission has been obtained from the appropriate emergency response services. No such permission has been given so, as such, we would ask that no further drone photography is taken while the incident is on-going.”
No injuries have been reported, but a number of local residents have been moved to a safe place.
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 visits they made to the Café over the years. One resident has said: “To use the phrase ‘a community in shock’ is very fitting today as the legendary Gorge Café in Dorchester is no more.”
Susan on Facebook: “Thank you to all the fire stations crew who have been to Dorchester to help fight this fire. Thank you for caring for people, buildings and wider community. Praying for all who are affected by this fire”.
Teresa on Facebook: “Such sad news for the whole family. Pat is so lovely and the family that work so hard are really friendly. My heart goes out to you all. A very big loss to Dorchester one of the best café. Xxx”
Dorset & Wiltshire Fire & Rescue continue: “Our thanks go to the local community for all of their support today.”
Related item: Fire destroys much loved cafe
Pictures from Dorchester Fire Station.
