Woman Escapes Burning Bungalow

An elderly woman has escaped a burning bungalow after it caught fire in Winfrith.

Dorset Fire and Rescue Service was alerted to the blaze at approximately 2pm on Thursday (29th Sept) afternoon in Butts Close.

Crews from Bere Regis and Wareham attended and soon requested support. At the height of this incident, six fire engines (Bere Regis, Wareham, Hamworthy, Dorchester x 2 and Weymouth) were at the scene - approximately 30 firefighters.

An elderly woman was treated at the scene

Crews used 10 sets of breathing apparatus, four main lines and one hose reel jet to extinguish this fire. The fire completely destroyed one semi detached bungalow and partially damaged a second bungalow. At this time fire crews don't know what caused the fire. Nobody was seriously injured in the incident, although an elderly female was treated by the ambulance service.

The Red Cross Fire and Emergency Support (FESS) vehicle was requested to attend this incident. The Red Cross Volunteer's help people cope in the immediate aftermath of a house fire or other emergency by providing practical and emotional support from their specially-adapted vehicle.

Fire Investigation Officer, Group Manager Alun Morgan said:

 "We believe neighbours were alerted to this fire after seeing smoke coming from the windows of the bungalow. Had there been a working smoke alarm in the property this would have given an early warning to the occupier and neighbours. We urge all householders in Dorset to have a working smoke alarm on all levels of their home, and ensure they are tested weekly. We also remind all Dorset residents to have and practice an escape plan, exits should be kept clear and door and window keys kept in an easily accessible location should you need to escape in an emergency. I am investigating the cause of this incident."

6 Fire engines were called to the fire in Winfrith