Weymouth: Walpole Street residents evacuated after fire

Residents of Walpole Street in the Park District were evacuated from their homes this afternoon and the street was cordoned off. 

A fire started in one property and then spread to a neighbouring home. 

Firefighters worked to contain the blaze and prevent it from spreading even more.

Fire in Walpole Street Weymouth (Image: Weymouth and Portland Police)

Thick black smoke could be seen billowing from the street during the afternoon and those living nearby were warned to keep windows and doors closed.

RECAP: Fire breaks out in Weymouth

One Walpole Street resident sad: “The police knocked on my door and told me I had to leave my property. When I came out there was black smoke - you could barely see the street.

"It was worrying. There were loads of fire engines and police here. I heard it’s two properties. We’ve all got to wait until it’s okay to go back in."

Fire in Walpole Street Weymouth (Image: Hollie Carr)

A cordon was put in place by officers to keep members of the public safe and help the firefighters tackle the blaze safely.

Around eight fire engines from Weymouth, Dorchester, Poole, Portland and Bridport all attended the incident alongside at least half a dozen police cars and unmarked police cars.

Approximately 35 firefighters were at the scene, Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service said.

A total of twelve breathing apparatus wearers used three hose reel jets and two main jets to extinguish the fire.

The stop message, meaning that the incident was under control and no further resources were needed, came in just after 2.20pm - although firefighters remained at the scene until late afternoon.

Fire in Walpole Street Weymouth (Image: Geoff Moore)

A spokesperson for Weymouth and Portland Police said: "We have been accounting for residents and don't believe there have been any casualties at this time.

"Some residents have had to leave their homes for a short period. We are sorry for any disruption caused."

The fire service later confirmed no casualties had been reported. 

A nearby resident of Penny Street said: “I looked out the back and saw a lot of smoke and then the police knocked on my door and told me I had to get out.”

Another Walpole Street resident said: “We were woken up by police knocking the door and asking us to evacuate. We didn’t even have enough time to put proper shoes on.”

Fire in Walpole Street Weymouth (Image: Geoff Moore)

The police cordon also impacted other Park District residents who couldn’t drive to their houses or park in their usual spots.

Some cars had to be moved from the road to help the fire service.