A bedroom fire at a retirement home in Swanage yesterday (21 October) was caused by sunlight reflecting off a mirror or magnifying glass.
Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service was called to the property in Cauldon Avenue at 9.46am, with five fire crews attending from Swanage (two), Poole (two) and Wareham, supported by the aerial appliance from Westbourne. Six breathing apparatus wearers, two hose reel jets and a safety jet were used to tackle the blaze.
All of the home’s residents were quickly brought to safety, with four being assisted by firefighters. The fire damage was contained to the one bedroom, thanks to the building’s fire doors working effectively.
Mr Coleman praised the multi-agency response to the incident, which saw paramedics from South Western Ambulance Service, officers from Dorset Police and staff from the home working together to help the affected residents.