AROUND 50 firefighters were called to tackle a blaze at a thatched cottage in Wareham – which may have been caused by a lightning strike.

The incident, in Stoborough Meadow, was reported at around 10.15pm on Sunday night (May 19).

At the height of the fire, nine crews were at the scene – from Wareham and Poole, along with a water carrier, an incident command vehicle, a support appliance and an aerial ladder platform.

“The fire had started in the roof of a semi-detached cottage and quickly spread to the adjoining home,” a Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service spokesperson said.

“Firefighters worked through the night to contain the fire, which has caused significant damage to both properties.

“It is believed the fire started accidentally due to a lightning strike but investigations are on-going. No one was injured.”