FOUR industrial units were completely destroyed and two more were severely damaged in a blaze that led to traffic chaos and forced the electricity to be cut off in a village. 

Two crews from Dorchester were called to a commercial property in Winterbourne Abbas at 7am this morning and on arrival saw there was 'significant' smoke and flames, so quickly requested back-up. 

At the height of the fire, eight fire engines, totalling 45 firefighters, were in attendance. 

The fire engulfed six units, four of which were completely destroyed with two more severely damaged. 

The fire was under control by 8.45am but firefighters will be at the scene for "some time" for dappening down and fire investigation.

Bridport and Lyme Regis News:

Electricity supply had to  been cut off to the village for safety reasons. 

The 35 has now re-opened following an earlier closure and traffic has eased around the area. 

The A35 was partially blocked in the village as firefighters are transporting water from the village up the lane.

A 'limited amount' of traffic was being allowed through the village eastbound, police said. 

The A35 had been closed westbound at Monkeys Jump roundabout, Dorchester.

A diversion was in place via the A37 and Maiden Newton but traffic was also slow here. 

Firefighters used a hydrant on the A35 to tackle the blaze which meant the closures had to be put in place.

A police spokesman said that the roads were beginning to be re-opened at around 10.30am but an officer was still on the scene for traffic management.

The fire service said that six crews were still at the fire at around midday but this was being scaled down this afternoon with the investigation still taking place.

Bridport and Lyme Regis News:

Local roads in the area are blocked and smoke can be seen from Winterbourne Steepleton.

Eight pumps, one water carrier, a breathing apparatus support unit, 16 breathing apparatus, three hose reel jets, one main line, a compressed air foam system and a triple extension ladder were all used to help tackle the blaze. 

The cause of the fire is not known at this time but it is hoped an investigation will reveal this. 

Crews from across the area were involved in tackling the blaze, coming from Dorchester, Maiden Newton, Bridport, Weymouth, Yeovil, Bridport, Hamworthy and Poole.

Roger Coombs lives in the village and said when he left his home the electricity was still on.

He said: “It was about 8am, I saw thick black smoke rising up, it was quite dramatic.”

The fire service said that it would work with the owners of the units after the incident.

Don Owens, from Weymouth, owns a unit on the site and faced an anxious wait to hear if his was involved.

He said: “Mine is ok thankfully, my unit is on this other side of the estate.”

Buses were also hit as services using the A35 between Dorchester and Bridport were severely delayed.

Many school pupils were seen at bus stops in the area during the morning as services were delayed.

The fire service urged people who own a commercial premises to go to www.dwfire.org.uk for information on keeping their properties safe from fire

(video thanks to Mark Napper)