Care home fire blamed on electrical fault

DWFRS Fire engine pulled up outside a large brick house - six firefighters are standing on the pavement in front of the building - a ladder from the fire engine stretches to its roof - it is raining.DWFRS
Firefighters from across Dorset worked overnight on Saturday to put out the fire

A fire which ripped through a care home roof was thought to have been caused by an electrical fault in a double-wall socket, investigators have said.

Firefighters were called to the property in Prince of Wales Road, Dorchester, on Saturday shortly after 22:05 GMT.

Dorset fire service said more than 50 firefighters were sent from stations across the county and 11 care home residents had to be moved.

The service has since confirmed it believed the blaze was caused accidentally by the fault in the socket.

Care home residents were forced to leave (Credit: Lisa Hansford)

A fire spokesperson previously said the care home residents were later rehoused by the local authority.

They continued: "The crews did a great job at assisting residents from all levels of the building.

"We'd like to take the opportunity to thank you for the patience and support received.

"An investigation has now taken place and the cause of the fire is believed to be accidental, due to a fault in a double-wall socket."

The care home has been approached for comment.

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