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Emergency response to fire above shopping centre

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FIREFIGHTERS rushed to Bournemouth town centre to tackle a “small” flat fire.

Three fire engines rushed to a flat above Richmond Gardens shopping centre in Old Christchurch Road on Tuesday afternoon, August 27.

Witnesses said the fire was only “small” and it’s understood nobody was injured. A cause of the fire is not yet known.

Another witness said he saw the firefighters cut into a top floor flat, reached by an aerial ladder platform fire engine.

(Image: Daily Echo)

(Image: Daily Echo)

Bournemouth resident Luke, 24, said he saw the fire service rush to the scene. He added: “They had to reach far into the flat to get to it, it was quite shocking to see.

“The firemen had to cut into the building.”

Another shop worker jokingly added: “There are a lot of fire engines here for a small fire. Maybe they were bored…”

Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service’s spokeswoman said: “We were called to Old Christchurch Road, Bournemouth at 1.56pm today (27 August) for a fire involving a five storey building with a shop on the ground floor and domestic accommodation above.

“Three crews attended, from Springbourne, Christchurch and Redhill Park, along with the aerial ladder platform (ALP) from Westbourne.

“The fire was on the outside of the building at fourth floor level, and one hose reel jet is in use from the ALP to ensure that the fire is fully extinguished.

“The stop was at 2.42pm and we are continuing to dampen down the affected area.”

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