FIREFIGHTERS worked through the night to extinguish a blaze that ripped through a building in Dorchester.

Trinity Street and South Street was closed as crews from across Dorset tackled a blaze that had broken out at The Gorge Cafe at around 3.34am on Monday morning (December 12).

Trinity Street has now reopened, but the businesses affected by the fire are still at risk, and so the area in front has been fenced off.

All businesses on South Street unaffected by the fire or the cordon have been able to open, with some via access from the back.

Dorchester Fire Station said no injuries have been reported, but the fire has spread to two adjacent properties, and the Gorge Cafe building itself collapsed.

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.

READ MORE: “Serious fire” in Dorchester partially collapses building

A spokesperson said: “Trinity Street has now reopened, and all businesses on South Street unaffected by the fire or the cordon have been able to open, some via access from the back.

Trinity Street has now reopened thanks to efforts by the crew Picture: Dorchester Fire Station

“The buildings affected by fire are still at risk of collapse so the area in front has been fenced off and this closure will be in place for the foreseeable future.

“A fire investigation is now underway, and there will be reinspections throughout the day to ensure that the fire is fully extinguished.

“Our thanks go to the many individuals and businesses in the local community who offered refreshments, welfare and messages of support since the fire started yesterday. It is very much appreciated.”

11 crews from Westbourne, Shaftesbury, Swanage, Sturminster Newton and Ferndown, together with a support unit from Dorchester and the aerial ladder platform from Westbourne attended the scene, but this was scaled back yesterday.

The public is being reminded to not fly drones over the incident area.

“We are aware that members of the public have been flying drones over the incident ground today,” a spokesperson said.

“Under Article 265B(3) of the Air Navigation Order 2016, it is an offence for a drone to fly “close to or inside areas” where an emergency response effort is ongoing, unless permission has been obtained from the appropriate emergency response services.

“No such permission has been given so, as such, we would ask that no further drone photography is taken while the incident is on-going.”