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Mudeford church fire: Smoke seen billowing from miles around Mudeford church fire: Smoke seen billowing from miles around
(32 minutes later)
Flames could be seen coming from a church windowFlames could be seen coming from a church window
Flames could be seen coming from a church windowFlames could be seen coming from a church window
A fire has torn through a church and the resulting smoke can be seen from miles around. A fire has torn through a church and the resulting smoke could be seen from miles around.
Fifty firefighters were sent to All Saints Church in Mudeford, Christchurch, after the flames were reported at 20:10 BST. Seventy firefighters were sent to All Saints Church in Mudeford, Christchurch, after the flames were reported at 20:10 BST.
Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service said a ladder platform had also been deployed to the scene.Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service said a ladder platform had also been deployed to the scene.
Pictures on social media show smoke billowing into the sky. It not yet know if any injuries have been sustained. Pictures on social media show smoke billowing into the sky. It is not yet know if any injuries were sustained.
The fire service said the blaze was "significant" and urged residents to avoid the area to allow crews to work safely.
Approx 50 firefighters in Mudeford Lane this evening dealing with a significant fire in a church.Please avoid the area to allow us to work safely. pic.twitter.com/U5B2sfEHqxApprox 50 firefighters in Mudeford Lane this evening dealing with a significant fire in a church.Please avoid the area to allow us to work safely. pic.twitter.com/U5B2sfEHqx
The fire service said the blaze was "significant" and that 12 crews were trying to bring the flames under control.
Group manager Stuart Gillion said it was not yet clear how the fire started.
"Due to the weather, Christchurch and Mudeford are extremely busy this evening," he said.
"To allow our crews to work safely and prevent the fire spreading, we are urging residents to stay away."
Police said they were assisting crews and that officers had closed surrounding roads.
Fire crews have been trying to bring the flames at All Saints Church in Mudeford under controlFire crews have been trying to bring the flames at All Saints Church in Mudeford under control
Bystanders watched on as the flames engulfed the building
Large plumes of smoke were seen drifting over the areaLarge plumes of smoke were seen drifting over the area
Emily Dickens could see the smoke from nearby HighcliffeEmily Dickens could see the smoke from nearby Highcliffe
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