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Local News
04 January 2025

Historic Weymouth Burger Company Building Catches Fire

Emergency services respond as blaze engulfs historic structure on King Street.

A significant fire erupted at the historic Dorset Burger Company building on King Street, Weymouth on Saturday morning, prompting extensive emergency response efforts from the Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service (DWFRS). The fire broke out at approximately 07:38 GMT, leading to the deployment of at least 60 firefighters to combat the blaze, which produced visible flames leaping from the building's roof.

According to DWFRS, crews from several locations including Weymouth, Dorchester, Portland, and beyond attended the scene. The fire necessitated the closure of King Street and restricted access to nearby Weymouth Railway Station, with residents advised to steer clear of the area due to safety concerns.

Witnesses described the scene as chaotic. One onlooker observed, "The building is well alight and the road is closed." Reports indicated at least ten fire engines, multiple police vehicles, and ambulances converging on the site. Firefighters utilized aerial platforms to effectively tackle the raging flames, highlighting the urgency of the situation.

Evacuations began around 08:00 GMT, with residents from nearby properties receiving police notices to leave their homes. A local taxi driver named Ben Durkin recounted assisting evacuees, stating, "I was dropping someone at Park Street and saw a family who had been evacuated with a young baby. I thought I have to keep them warm so I told them to get in the taxi — I hope someone would do it for me if I was in the same situation as I have a little one." Such acts of kindness underscored the community's resilience amid the crisis.

Other residents shared their own experiences, expressing the distress of the situation. One anonymous mother recounted receiving a phone call from her partner urging evacuation, describing the moment as frightening for her and her daughter, who stated, "It was really scary." Another neighbor voiced alarm about the fire’s potential for structural damage, saying, "The worry is the gable end is going to collapse onto the building next door." The emotional toll on the community was palpable as the fire raged on.

The Dorset Burger Company building dates back to 1871, originally serving as an eye hospital. It had become part of the local fabric, cherished for both its culinary offerings and its historical significance. Community members lamented the prospect of losing such a beloved structure. “It’s very sad for an old building. I hope there’s no danger to life,” lamented another nearby resident.

Although firefighters worked diligently to contain the blaze, the extent of the damage remains uncertain at this time. DWFRS has confirmed the implementation of a no-fly zone for drones over the area as investigations and cleanup efforts continue.

The incident has not only affected local traffic and public transport—bus services have been disrupted, with the Damory operator announcing cancellations and alterations to routes due to the closures surrounding King Street. The community awaits updates on the fire's cause and the condition of the Yorkshire Burger Company building.

Authorities continue to oversee the situation, and as firefighters persistently tackled the flames, the focus shifted to ensuring safety for both the responders and local residents. The incident remains under investigation, with updates expected as the situation develops.

Overall, this fire at the Dorset Burger Company has drawn significant attention, reflecting both the urgency of the emergency response and the impact on the community so tightly knit around this historic establishment.