Homes damaged and gardens lost as Bockhampton bonfire spreads

https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cy4d0z82vqno

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The bonfire in a field spread tearing through gardens and destroying the back of one home

Homes have been damaged and gardens completely lost after a bonfire in a field spread.

The bonfire in Bockhampton, Dorset, on the edge of Bransgore in the New Forest, Hampshire, broke out on Thursday afternoon with those living nearby forced to leave their homes.

It spread rapidly to five acres of fields, hedgerows and four neighbouring homes, destroying three gardens and the conservatory and back of one home, with a second suffering external damage.

The fire is now out and crews returned on Friday morning to carry out further checks.

At its height, about 60 firefighters from Dorset and Hampshire were sent to tackle the blaze.

One resident noticed smoke coming over her hedge at about 14:30 BST and alerted a neighbour who called 999 but, before the fire service could get there, the flames had spread to her house.

The spreading blaze was reported shortly before 14:30 on Thursday

The woman, who wanted to remain anonymous, said: "I could see flames and it started rapidly coming this way.

"I turned my hosepipe on thinking maybe dampen the hedge - what a waste - it was like pouring a teaspoon of water on it so I gave up on that.

"The fire engines started coming but it rapidly came across the hedge line.

"I couldn't see what was happening because we were kept on the corner of the road.

"I could see smoke coming through the tiles on the roof so I didn't know if it was the garden or the house on fire.

"I was trying to be positive, thinking everyone's safe.

"Two sheds, a conservatory and spare room - all gone."

About 60 firefighters worked to stop the fire in in Bockhampton

Hampshire & Isle of Wight Fire & Rescue Service said: "The hot weather made conditions extremely challenging, and firefighters worked tirelessly to contain and extinguish the blaze.

"We would like to thank the local community for their patience, support, and cooperation throughout the incident."

The fire service said residents who had to leave their homes were being supported by welfare teams.

There were no reports of any injuries.

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