EMERGENCY services were alerted to a van fire that was in danger of spreading to nearby properties.

They raced to the scene in Maud Road, Dorchester, just after midnight.

A spokesman for Dorchester Fire Station said: "At approximately 12:06am one pump from Dorchester was mobilised to reports of a van on fire in Maud Road.

"Upon arrival there was a running fuel fire, a van on fire and this was catching the fence of a house which was also very close to a garage.

"An assistance message was quickly made to Fire Control for a second appliance from Dorchester to help stop fire spread.

"Crews got to work firstly with two hose reel jets from a safe working distance, then two breathing apparatus wearers took over until the fires were out.

"Crews liaised with the Dorchester Police and local residents, made the area safe and returned to home station."