Woman arrested after top-floor flat fire
DWFRSA woman has been arrested following a fire on the top floor of a block of flats in Weymouth early on Sunday morning.
Firefighters in seven engines were sent to Keel House, Dorchester Road, Weymouth, shortly before 01:00 BST where crews found a "well-developed" fire within a flat had spread to the roof.
Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue said 30 firefighters worked to tackle the fire at its height. The building was fully evacuated and crews inside had to leave when the roof became unstable. All residents from the 32 flats remain out of their homes.
Dorset Police said the woman, arrested on suspicion of arson with intent to endanger life, remained in police custody.
The force said detectives from Dorset County CID were carrying out inquiries into the circumstances surrounding the fire and were continuing to liaise with the fire service to establish the cause.
Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue said 30 firefighters worked to tackle the fire at its height and crews fighting the fire inside the building had to withdraw when the roof became unstable and a second aerial ladder was brought in.
There were no reports of anyone being injured.
DWFRSAster Group that manages the building said its teams were supporting residents "during this difficult time".
A spokesperson for the group said: "We're working closely with the emergency services to understand the condition of the buildings and when it may be safe for some customers to return home.
"For those customers that need temporary accommodation, we're working with our partners at Dorset Council to find them appropriate housing."
Dorset Council set up a rest centre for those displaced on Sunday and said it had helped 22 residents with immediate accommodation needs.
Councillor Matt Bell, Dorset Council's cabinet member for public health, prevention and communities said: "Temporary accommodation arrangements are now being put in place for residents who are unable to return home, and transport and meals will be provided as required."
