A static caravan that had been abandoned alongside a major trunk road for nearly two weeks was completely destroyed in a fire that forced the temporary closure of the A35 near Dorchester. According to BBC News, emergency crews responded to the incident shortly after 01:00 GMT, finding the structure already well alight.
Ten firefighters from Dorchester and Weymouth stations worked to extinguish the blaze, which was brought under control by 02:50. The road remained closed during the firefighting operation to ensure the safety of both emergency personnel and passing traffic. Dorset Police officers attended the scene to provide assistance and remained until around 03:00.
National Highways confirmed that the static caravan had been left on the verge on Tuesday 20 October. Following a routine route inspection on Wednesday 21 October, the organisation identified the abandoned structure and began investigating its origins.
How did the caravan end up on the roadside?
A National Highways spokesperson explained the sequence of events:
We identified the abandoned mobile home alongside the A35 near Dorchester following a route inspection on Wednesday 21 October. Following enquiries, it appears the static caravan had been deposited the previous evening. We had started a legal process to remove the structure from the verge but, following the fire, dealt with by Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service this morning, we will now be looking to remove the remains as soon as it is safe to do so.
The circumstances surrounding how the caravan came to be abandoned on the roadside remain unclear, though National Highways had initiated formal removal procedures before the fire occurred.
What is known about the fire's cause?
Dorset Police has not yet confirmed the cause of the fire. A police spokesperson stated:
The cause of the fire has not been confirmed at this time.The investigation into how the blaze started is ongoing.
Abandoned vehicles and structures left on roadsides present significant challenges for highways authorities and emergency services. Similar incidents have occurred elsewhere in the UK, including a static caravan that blocked a narrow Welsh road after a delivery failure, which required police intervention and raised concerns about emergency access.
What happens next?
National Highways will proceed with removing the charred remains of the caravan once it is safe to do so. The organisation will continue to monitor the A35 verge to prevent similar incidents in future.
