A wave of gratitude has poured in for the rapid emergency response to a devastating fire in Dorchester.
As reported, a devasting fire hit the Ammonite Building in Brewery Square on Friday night, which was believed to be started accidentally, affected four floors in the block of flats.
Firefighters from across the county and beyond spent hours tackling the blaze as affected residents were temporarily housed by Dorset Council and Brewery Square, with some staying in the Premier Inn down Hope Street with the hotel full to capacity.
Ammonite Building in Brewery Square (Image: Alfie Lumb) On Saturday morning, the Costa shop which is usually packed with commuters from Dorchester South train station, was closed, with the smell of smoke still emanating along Copper Street and Pope Street with a pile of debris around the block of flats.
Residents were relieved, however, thanks to the efforts of the firefighters to control the blaze as well as they did.
"At first there seemed to be panic, but it strangely turned quite calm amongst onlookers but I think that was due to how quickly and process driven the emergency services were. I noticed the Copper St brewery supporting people, which was also great to see."
"They seemed to be hacking bits of cladding off the building whilst being craned directly into the first and smoke. They are the heroes we should be encouraging our kids to be when they grow up.
"They just worked like clockwork. It was worrying, but reassuringly positive to see."
Marcia Smith of the Vinyl Van said: "We were just leaving Seventh Seal as they were having a bit of music on and it had just broken out. We could hear people outside calling and we then saw the smoke and we could see people still in the flats calling out and flames.
Marcia Smith of Vinyl Van (Image: Alfie Lumb) "Someone called the fire service and they were there within minutes, they were so quick and very calm. It spread a bit further up the building but they did a fantastic job to keep it under control. In the end the main thing is that no one was harmed and we can't praise the fire service enough for what they did."
Alicia Cookson of Memory Lane on the corner of Copper Street, said: "We're pleased the fire service responded so quickly because as a nearby shop owner, it was worrying. Luckily most of us are in a WhatsApp group and were keeping each other updated as best we could.
"Our biggest concern was for the residents. I was really worried when I saw the pictures and how close it was to my shop and I can't praise the fire service and emergency services enough for their response."
Georgia Heggs of Halo Fine Art (Image: Alfie Lumb) Georgia Heggs of Halo Fine Art, said: "I saw it on Facebook last night and my first concern was for the residents in the flats and then I thought about my business and was concerned that it could have spread down here.
"Thankfully we're a close knit community in Brewery Square and have a WhatsApp group and I was called up to say that everything was okay.
"The fire service work tirelessly and a huge thank you to them for keeping the residents and building safe and thankfully no one was harmed."
Matthew Payne, the duty manager for Premier Inn on Pope Street said: "Premier Inn have gone out of their way to try and help all the families involved. We have held as many as we can and we're fully booked today as a result. The fire service did amazingly well to control the blaze so quickly."
All businesses had also remarked on the work of saving the Stancombe's dog, Alfie. Read more about their experience on our website.
Cllr Andy Canning, mayor of Dorchester, said: "It was shocking to see the damage caused by the fire in Brewery Square, but clearly the fire service should be congratulated on an excellent job stopping the fire from spreading any further.
Brewery Square from behind Dorchester South (Image: Alfie Lumb) "Thanks also to council staff who stepped in to offer help and accommodation to anyone needing it. My heart goes out to everyone affected by this fire. I hope they will be able to return to their homes very soon."
A spokesperson for Dorset Council said: We'd like to extend our sincere thanks to Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service for their response to last night's fire at Brewery Square in Dorchester.
"We're also incredibly grateful to local businesses and community members who came together to support the emergency response and recovery efforts.
"Your cooperation, care, and resilience made a real difference. Thank you all."