A MULTI-agency response was launched after a fire was deliberately started at a derelict house.

Firefighters, police officers, and paramedics were all called following reports of a fire at a property on Flood Lane in Bridport at around 5pm on Sunday, July 10.

The fire service said it was obvious people had been entering the building unlawfully and concluded that the blaze at the property was deliberate after cushions and materials from a sofa bed were set alight inside.

Crews from Bridport, Beaminster and Lyme Regis fire stations attended the incident.

However on arrival, an assistance message for more pumps from Weymouth and Axminster fire stations was to further assist. This instigated a command support unit from Dorchester Fire Station, a fire investigation officer from DWFRS, a command support officer and an operations commander from Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service to also attend.

A road closure was put in place by police between the Crown roundabout and Morrisons. Paramedics were also in attendance as it was unknown if anyone was inside the property.

A spokesman for Bridport Fire Station said: "Both Bridport appliances along with one pump from Beaminster Fire Station, one pump from Lyme Regis Fire Station and a tactical advisor from DWFRS were mobilised to Flood Lane to reports of a property fire.

"On arrival crews found a derelict building with smoke issuing from the roof. The incident commander sent an assistance message to make pumps six. These came from Weymouth Fire Station and Axminster Fire Station. This also instigated a command support unit from Dorchester Fire Station, a fire investigation officer from DWFRS, a command support officer and an operations commander from Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service.

"Dorset Police attended to shut off part of West Bay road between the Crown roundabout and Morrisons to allow crews to safely lay hose from a hydrant and to carry out enquires. South West Ambulance Service also attended as it was unknown whether anyone was inside the property at the time.

"Two entry points were made into the building sending six breathing apparatus wearers using three hose reel jets, four main lines, three thermal imaging cameras and small tools to extinguish the fire. A positive pressure fan was also used to clear smoke from the building. Thankfully the quick actions of the crews prevented a significant fire.

"The cause of the fire was deliberate after cushions and other materials from a sofa had been set alight.

"It is obvious people have been unlawfully entering the building causing damage to the inside with smashed glass, damage to walls, rubbish, fallen cables and open trap doors in the floor. This can be extremely dangerous for fire fighters entering the property with zero visibility.

"What seems like harmless fun could have major implications. This fire also caused a strain on the emergency services due to the amount of appliances and officers in attendance plus all the standby moves instigated to cover stations in attendance. The local authority were requested to attend to secure the building."