AROUND 50 firefighters are tackling a blaze at a commercial property in Dorchester today (December 12).

A fire broke out at a building in South Street at around 3.34am this morning, which caused the building to partially collapse.

The building is believed to be the The Gorge Cafe.

Dorchester Fire Station said no injuries have been reported but the fire has spread to two adjacent properties.

The cause of the fire is unknown, a spokesperson for the fire station said, but an investigation will be carried out when it is safe to do so.

Electricity to nearby houses in South Street and Trinity Street has also been affected by the fire as the crew has  isolated the power to make the area safe.

Dorchester Fire Station was joined by a number of crews to assist with the fire.

“We were called to South Street, Dorchester at 3.34am this morning (December 9) for a serious fire involving a mid-terrace commercial premises,” a spokesperson said.

“We have crews in attendance from Dorchester, Weymouth (x2), Bridport (x2), Portland, Wareham, Beaminster, Blandford, Charmouth and Poole, together with an aerial ladder platform from Yeovil, a support appliance from Hamworthy and water carriers from Bridport and Yeovil—approximately 50 firefighters.

“The building has partially collapsed, and there is significant smoke in the local area. The fire is also affecting two adjacent properties via the roof spaces.

The fire broke out at 3.34 this morning Picture: Dorchester Fire Station

“No injuries have been reported, but a number of local residents have been moved to a safe place.

“South Street and parts of Trinity Street are currently closed to enable the firefighting operation.

“At this stage, the cause of the fire is unknown but an investigation will be carried out when it is safe to do so.”

Dorchester Fire Station is encouraging people to stay indoors and keep windows closed if they are in the area due to the amount of smoke.

The fire station said water pressure will also be affected in South Street and Trinity Street as they deal with the fire and added that they will be using water carriers to try and minimise the impact.

The spokesperson added: “We expect this incident to affect the town centre for some hours, and apologise for the inconvenience caused.”