Residents have begun moving back into the Ammonite building in Brewery Square, Dorchester, following a fire in August that left all 16 flats uninhabitable.
The blaze broke out on a second-floor balcony on 29 August shortly before 18:45 BST and spread up the exterior of the building, forcing residents into temporary accommodation. At the height of the fire, 13 fire engines were deployed, and firefighters managed to bring the blaze under control shortly before 02:00 the following day. All flats and surrounding properties were evacuated as a precaution. Thankfully, no injuries were reported.
Brewery Square has confirmed that nine of the apartments are now safe for residents to return to, and the majority have already moved back in. Robert Ackland, director of Brewery Square, said: “We are continuing to support all residents while remaining restoration works continue, and have arranged extended temporary accommodation on-site for some of those yet to return to their homes. We’d like to thank all residents for their patience and our community for their ongoing support.”
Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service said the cause of the fire is currently unknown but is believed to have been accidental. Its fire safety team is working closely with the development management company and local authority to understand how the incident occurred.
The return of residents marks a significant milestone in recovery efforts following the disruption caused by the fire, as restoration work continues to ensure the building is safe and fully habitable.
