Firefighters battle fire at derelict building
About 40 firefighters are battling a blaze at a derelict building in Dorset.
Residents have been warned to stay clear of the area around Jefferson Avenue in Hamworthy, Poole, after black plumes of smoke began billowing from the site.
Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service was called to the scene at 18:14 BST.
The fire is believed to have taken hold in an old sawmill, with an asbestos roof. Seven fire appliances, an aerial platform, and multiple fire officers are on the scene.
The fire service said there was a "heavy smoke plume", and advised people nearby to keep doors and windows closed.
A spokeswoman said: "We are now committing firefighters inside the building to deal with any remaining seats of fire.
"An investigation into the cause of the fire will take place in due course."
Crews have attended from stations in Poole, Hamworthy, Westbourne, Redhill Park, Wimborne, and Westbourne.
Local bus services are being diverted during the operation.
Fair sized fire at Hamworthy pic.twitter.com/8CG5BIaig3
— Bournemouth Darts (@bmthdarts) September 17, 2024
You can follow BBC Dorset on Facebook, X (Twitter), or Instagram.
