ONE person was taken to hospital following a flat fire in the early hours of Sunday morning which left four others needing treatment.

Around 20 firefighters tackled the blaze in Westbridge Park, Sherborne, which was reported to the fire service at 2.54am.

Two crews from Sherborne were the first to arrive on the scene where they found a “well-developed flat fire” before requesting two further fire engines from Yeovil and the aerial ladder platform from Weymouth.

Crews lead two occupants to safety and evacuated the block of flats.

Four people were treated at the scene by South Western Ambulance Service.

Firefighters extinguished the fire using 12 sets of breathing apparatus, three hose reels and two main jets.

Crews left the scene just after 8.30am yesterday morning.

The cause of the fire is believed to be accidental.

Group Manager Tim Gray, fire investigation officer, said: “Crews did a good job evacuating the building and we will be requesting that each flat is visited by our safe and well team for a fire safety check.

“One of the aspects this check covers is the importance of closing internal doors at night to stop smoke and fire spreading should the worst occur, in this case this would have helped limited the fire and smoke damage. If you are interested in a safe and well check, please have a look on our website for more information.”