AROUND 30 firefighters tackled a huge derelict building fire in Hamworthy, with an investigation set to begin into the cause.

The fire service was called to Jefferson Avenue at 6.14pm on September 17 after plumes of smoke and flames were seen coming out of a derelict building, understood to be the former Sydenhams Builders Merchants.

Crews arrived from Poole, Hamworthy, Westbourne, Redhill Park and Wimborne.

(Image: Darryl Morrell)

The fire services warned those in the area that the roof of the building was made of asbestos and labelled it a “risk.”

One resident who lives near Poole Quay shared on social media that they feared the asbestos would affect their health. 

Firefighters left the scene at around 9.30pm but will be returning to the area to reinspect and investigate the fire.

The same building was victim to a fire a few months prior on June 18.

(Image: Sam Sheldon)

Hamworthy Fire Station warned for motorists to avoid the A350 at the time of the incident due to smoke. 

Nearby residents said the fire service tackled the flames from adjacent roads. 

(Image: Darryl Morrell)

A spokesperson for Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service said: “We were called to a fire involving a derelict building off Jefferson Avenue, Poole at 6.14pm last night (17 September).

“We had crews in attendance from Poole (x3), Hamworthy, Westbourne, Redhill Park and Wimborne, together with the aerial ladder platform from Westbourne – approx. 30 firefighters.

“The stop was at 9.33pm, there will be a reinspection this morning and the fire investigation will start later.”

A spokesperson for Dorset Police said: "We received a report at 6.32pm on Tuesday 17 September 2024 from the fire service, reporting it was in attendance at a building in Jefferson Avenue in Poole.

"Officers attended to assist and road closures were put in place in Blandford Road as emergency services responded to the incident.

"An update was received shortly after 8pm that the fire had been extinguished.

"Officers are continuing to liaise with the fire service and enquiries are ongoing to establish the cause of the fire, which has not been confirmed at this time."