Firefighters at large fire in Dorchester

24 July 2010, 08:30 | Updated: 24 July 2010, 09:23

More than 100 firefighters have been tackling a fire at Industrial Estate near Dorchester.

At approximately 2.10am this morning crews from Dorset Fire and Rescue Service were alerted to a property fire in a unit at Hybris Business Park in Crossways, near Dorchester. Crews used breathing apparatus, hose reel jets and main lines to tackle the fire but after a survey of the building were pulled out due to the presence of an acetylene cylinder. A 100m cordon
was, and still remains, in place.

Crews continued to tackle the fire using hose reel jets, and main lines placed on our aerial ladder platforms. The fire is now under control and steady progress is being made while firefighters remain at a safe distance.

At the height of the incident Dorset Fire and Rescue Service has approximately 100 firefighters on the scene.

Area Manager Keith Bacon, incident commander said: "Acetylene is extremely dangerous and for the safety of our staff we discontinued firefighting from within the building. We also put a 100 metre cordon in place which will remain. The business park will remain an incident ground for the rest of today and as such will be unavailable to the public."