Huge blaze at derelict West hotel
FIREFIGHTERS across Dorset spent most of Wednesday night tackling a huge blaze at a hotel in Bournemouth.
Around 110 firefighters from the Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service were called to the hotel in Gervis Road in the seaside resort at around 11.25pm late on Wednesday evening, and those arriving first found it already well alight.
The hotel was described as “derelict” by firefighters so had no guests or staff at the time, but two neighbouring hotels either side had to be evacuated of staff, residents and guests, such was the intensity of the blaze.
A spokesperson for Dorset fire and rescue service said: “Two neighbouring hotels have been evacuated as a precaution, with all residents accommodated at other hotels for the night.”
The evacuation was needed – the fire spread to the roof of one of the neighbouring hotels, but a fire service spokesperson said later this was under control.
After the initial callout, more and more crews were alerted and a total of 16 fire engines from across Dorset ended up at the scene, which caused considerable disruption in Bournemouth, with the blaze visible across the town.
So many people called 999 to report the fire that the emergency services asked people to stop calling 999 to report they could see a fire – unless they were sure it wasn’t that one.
Fire crews from across southern England were involved as well as crews from local stations in Bournemouth, support has come from Christchurch, Poole, Ferndown, Hamworthy, Wimborne and Verwood.
“Local people are being advised to be aware of the smoke still issuing from the scene,” said a Dorset and Wiltshire Fire Service spokesperson.
“Anyone in close proximity to the affected area should keep doors and windows closed as a precaution. A fire investigation will take place once it is safe to do so,” he added.