More than 50 firefighters called to Dorset thatch fire believed to be 'caused by lightning'

Crews have spent the night battling a large thatch fire in a village in Dorset, believed to have been caused by a lightning strike.

The blaze broke out at a semi-detached properties in Stoborough Meadow, Wareham, at 10:18pm on Sunday 19 May.

At the height of the incident, around 50 firefighters from Wareham, Poole, Hamworthy, Swanage, Redhill Park, Wimborne and Springbourne were called to the scene.

The fire started in the roof of a semi-detached cottage and quickly spread to the adjoining home.

The residents escaped from the properties before crews arrived at the scene and no one was injured.

Firefighters worked through the night to contain the blaze, which has caused "significant damage" to both properties.

The incident started to be scaled back after midnight and relief crews were called from Shaftesbury, Christchurch, Blandford, Sturminster Newton, Ferndown, Ringwood and Salisbury.

The stop from fire crews came in at 7:51am.

As of 9am on Monday 20 May, crews from Bridport, Gillingham and Westbourne remain at the fire.

The incident will continue for some time, with firefighters expected to be on the scene for most of the day.

A Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue service spokesperson said it is believed the fire started accidentally due to a lightning strike, but investigations are ongoing.

More to follow.

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