A huge fire destroying around 15 bin lorries at Dorset Council’s depot in Chickerell in Weymouth has been brought under control by 90 firefighters from across Dorset including the crew from Swanage Fire Station.
Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service said that over fifty 999 calls were received after the fire broke out shortly after 2 pm on Sunday 15th November 2020, as plumes of black smoke were seen across the Weymouth area and a number of explosions were heard.
15 fire crews rushed to the scene
15 fire crews rushed to the scene from Weymouth, Portland, Bridport, Dorchester, Wareham, Charmouth, Poole, Beaminster, Lyme Regis, Sherborne, Swanage, Blandford and Hamworthy.
Aerial ladder platforms from Weymouth and Westbourne, water carriers from Poole and Yeovil, and support appliances from Poole, Hamworthy and Gillingham were also tasked to fight the fierce blaze.
“What started the fire is unknown”
Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service said:
“It is expected that firefighters will remain on scene through the night and into tomorrow, although the attendance will scale back further as the incident continues to be brought to a close.
“There were issues at the start of the fire about the amount of smoke rising from the site; this has now mostly diminished but local people should still keep doors and windows closed as a precaution if they are concerned.
“At this stage, what started the fire is unknown; a full investigation will start tomorrow when it is safe to do so.
Dorset Council said that bin collections in the Weymouth area have been suspended due to the impact of the fire and that further updates will be posted on its website and social media.
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