Crews Tackle Three Major Fires In Dorset

Dorset firecrews have been stretched as they dealt with three huge fires all in the same morning.

At 0430 on Thursday 27th December, around 45 firefighters were called to a fire at a large Dutch barn at Spire Hill Farm in Stalbridge, nearr Sherborn. Sheep, ewes and lambs were in the barn - some died in the fire.

Approximately 40 were rescued but crews say some may have to be put to sleep by vets who are there.

The fire also caused a power cut to at least one nearby property.

Dorset Fire and Rescue says the cause of the fire will be investigated in due course but the building is unstable, having been completely destroyed, and is therefore unsafe for anyone to enter to carry out examinations.

On the same morning, at around 0645, 25 firefighters were called to the derelict Cliff House Hotel on Manor Road in Bournemouth.

They used an aerial ladder to tackle a fire in the roof and second floor of the property, and say a fire investigation will take
place once it is safe to do so.

Meanwhile around 55 firefighters were called to Lytchett Minster Upper School at 0705.

They battled a fire in the roof using an aerial ladder and a water carrier. Several appliances from Devon and Somerset were also called in to help.