Firefighters rushed to the Fisherman’s Arms in Bridport last night as the building caught fire. 

A car smashed into the building, causing the blaze to break out, and people were trapped inside. 

Thankfully, and much to the relief of passers-by, the incident was part of a simulated training exercise for Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service.

The exercise involved crews from three local stations - Bridport, Beaminster and Charmouth and simulated a car crashing into the building, resulting in a large property fire using cosmetic smoke, along with Casualties Union volunteers who were  ‘injured’ and needed rescuing from the car and building.

Bridport crew manager Tony Beazer said: “Unfortunately, we attend property fires fairly regularly and have to take action quickly and professionally to rescue people and save buildings.

“The building is not currently occupied and gives the crews an opportunity to train and practice the techniques and skills in a safe environment needed for operational effectiveness.”