Fast food blaze was `malicious'

From the Echo, first published Friday 17th Oct 2003.

A HUGE blaze which broke out at Burger King in Tower Park Poole, is thought to have been started maliciously.

More than 77 firefighters, eight fire engines and ten police, were involved in bringing the fire under control last night.

Firefighters said no-one was injured and praised the speedy evacuation of staff and customers from the burning building prior to their arrival at the scene at around 8.50pm.

Several major roads around the immediate area were closed off from the scene which attracted large numbers of onlookers.

Firefighters, who arrived at the scene within six minutes of receiving the call, said that the blaze was particularly difficult to tackle due to the fire spreading through voids in the building structure.

The blaze was believed to have started in a cupboard, spread to the food preparation area and then quickly spread through the roof of the building.

Sixty eight firefighters from Poole, Hamworthy, Westbourne, Springbourne, Redhill, Christchurch and Ferndown fought the blaze using main lines and breathing apparatus.

Insp Paul Powley of Poole division said that there would be a joint investigation with Dorset Police and Dorset Fire and Rescue.

Police said that they are not linking the Burger King incident with the huge fire at St Anthony's Road in Meyrick Park later the same night.

Police are appealing for witnesses or people with information about the incident to ring Poole CID on 01202 223333.

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