Residents back in flats after summer balcony fire

The fire broke out on a balcony of the Ammonite Building in Dorchester

Residents who had to leave their flats after a fire in August have started moving back in.

The fire on a second-floor balcony of the Ammonite building in Brewery Square, Dorchester, broke out on 29 August shortly before 18:45 BST.

The fire spread up the exterior, leaving all 16 flats uninhabitable and forcing residents into temporary accommodation.

Brewery Square said nine apartments were now safe to return to after extensive repairs, and that the majority of those residents were back at home.

All flats in the building were impacted by the fire, leaving it uninhabitable

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."

At its height 13 fire engines were sent to the flats. The fire was put out shortly before 02:00 the following day.

The flats and surrounding properties were evacuated as a precaution while firefighters contained the fire and stopped it from spreading.

Debris from the fire was left strewn across the street below the flats

There were no reported injuries.

Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service said the cause of the fire was currently unknown but was believed to have been accidental.

The fire service said its fire safety team was working with the development management company and local authority to understand what happened.