DERELICT buildings were badly damaged by fire last night (April 6).

Crews from Sturminster Newton and Blandford were sent to the scene, in Shillingstone Land, Okeford Fitzpaine, at around 5.05pm.

“On arrival, firefighters found a fire involving derelict buildings, measuring approximately 15m x 20m, well alight,” a Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service spokesperson said.

“Crews quickly got to work to prevent further fire spread and extinguish the fire.”

The firefighters had the blaze under control by 7.45pm, with a crew returning later in the evening to carry out a reinspection.

“Due to the nature and location of the incident, Dorset Police were also in attendance,” the spokesperson added.