Drone footage reveals extent of damage caused by fire in Poole

The footage, from the Facebook page UK Explorer, has revealed the extent of damage caused to the former Bournemouth and Poole college building after the blaze on Sunday evening. 

The former science building's roof has mostly collapsed, with beams now charred from the fire, which was described as an “inferno”. 

Aftermath (Image: UK Explorer (Facebook))

Hundreds of residents watched the building burn on Sunday evening as around 40 firefighters tackled the blaze. Smoke could be seen from high in the air as far as Broadstone and Verwood. 

A Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service spokesperson said on Monday: “Because the roof has fallen within the building, a full fire investigation has not been possible as it is not safe to go inside. 

Read more: Huge fire tears through derelict college block in Poole

"However, it is believed the fire was started deliberately and this has been passed to Dorset Police. 

Aftermath (Image: UK Explorer (Facebook))

“No injuries were reported.” 

At the height of the incident, fire crews were on scene from Poole, Springbourne, Westbourne, Redhill Park, Hamworthy and Wimborne, together with support units from Hamworthy and Ferndown, water carriers from Ringwood and Eastleigh, and the aerial ladder platform from Westbourne. 

Read more: Fire at old college building in Poole 'started deliberately'

Around 40 firefighters rushed to the blaze at the former college site off Constitution Hill Road at 3.45pm on Sunday, February 5.  

UK Explorer (Facebook) (Image: UK Explorer (Facebook))

Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service said the incident has been passed to Dorset Police for investigation. 

The fire was brought under control by 5.30pm and resources were scaled back through the evening, with the stop message coming at 11.05pm. 

All crews left the scene by 11.15pm. 

A Dorset Police spokesperson said: "We received a report at 3.50pm on Sunday, February 5 from the fire service, which was in attendance at a property fire involving an unoccupied building in the area of Constitution Hill Road. 

Aftermath (Image: UK Explorer (Facebook))

"Officers attended and assisted with road closures. 

"Enquiries are ongoing to establish the cause of the fire, which is believed to be suspicious. No arrests have been made." 

As reported, witnesses said the fire was “out of control” within 20 minutes. 

Robert Foster was in the Sweet Home Inn when he got a text alerting him to the fire. He said: "I then ran back up the hill from the pub and that’s when I saw the whole building on fire."