Two dogs were rescued and given oxygen by firefighters after a blaze at a block of flats in Boscombe this morning.
Four crews from Springbourne, Westbourne, Christchurch and Redhill Park stations were called to the first floor flat in Christchurch Road at nine o’clock after smoke alarms were heard.
No-one was in the flat apart from the dogs. They were given oxygen using equipment provided by the Smokey Paws charity and taken to the vets for a check-up.
A resident on the second floor was also taken to safety.
Christchurch Road was closed during the incident.
Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service said: “We were called to a block of flats on Christchurch Road, Bournemouth at 9.01am this morning (2 February), after neighbours were made aware of a fire in a first floor flat due to the smoke alarms sounding.
“Four crews attended, from Springbourne, Westbourne, Christchurch and Redhill Park, and firefighters in breathing apparatus gained entry to the affected property and rescued two dogs – the occupier was not at home at the time.
“They also brought a resident from the second floor to safety using a fire escape hood. A hose reel jet and a main jet were used to extinguish the fire, and mechanical ventilation was used to clear the smoke.
“The stop came at 9.53am and a fire investigation is now underway. All but one of the appliances have left the scene. The dogs were given oxygen by firefighters using equipment provided by the Smokey Paws charity, and have been taken to a vet for precautionary checks.”
Dorset Police said: “We received a report at 9.14am that the fire service was in attendance at a property fire in Christchurch Road in Bournemouth.
“Officers attended to assist with traffic management and road closures have been put in place.”