It was a very busy weekend for Bridport fire crews, with wildfires, animal rescues, fires in the open and a property fire.

Bridport's 4x4 appliance was called to help Dorchester and Beaminster fire crews with a grass fire near Lankham Bottom on Friday just before 11.30am. A water carrier was also requested from Yeovil Fire Station and crews used multiple hose reel jets to extinguish the fire.

This was followed by a wildfire, in which crews were called at 1.50am on Saturday morning. Bridport's water carrier joined crews from Weymouth, Dorchester, Portland, Maiden Newton and Bere Regis with a wildfire in the Wyke area. An additional engine was called for standby duties at Portland Fire Station.

Later on, on Saturday morning, one pump and an officer were called to Seatown at 11.25am after a member of the public spotted a calf on the cliff face. 

On arrival, crews assessed the situation and made contact with the farmer, who also attended. The farmer was happy the animal wasn't injured or in distress and didn't require the fire crew's help, instead using the farm dog to remove the calf from the cliff.

Shortly after, just after 12.45pm, just as the crew was leaving Seatown, a concerned member of the public told them about two dogs locked inside a camper van.

A spokesman for Bridport Fire Station said: "Upon inspection crews found the two dogs looking pretty warm in caged with no water and just a roof vent open.

"Crews used a triple extension ladder to get onto the roof and, using a thermal imaging camera, found the temperature inside the van was at 36C.

"Just as we were informing the police, the owner arrived and opened up the van. Advice was given.

"It goes without saying, in these temperatures, do not leave animals in vehicles. Even with the windows open temperatures can be very high."

On Sunday afternoon, just after 4.15pm, one engine was sent to Allington play park to a suspected fire in the open. It turned out to be a controlled burn and advice was given. Please let the fire service know when you are carrying out these bonfires.

Not long after, just after 5pm, both Bridport fire engines were called to a property fire in Flood Lane, along with Beaminster and Lyme Regis and a tactical advisor from Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service (DWFRS).

On arrival, crews found a derelict building with smoke issuing from the roof.

More help was needed from Weymouth and Axminster, which instigated a command support unit from Dorchester, a fire investigation officer from DWFRS. Dorset Police also attended to shut off part of West Bay Road between the Crown roundabout and Morrisons. The South Western Ambulance Service also attended as it was unknown whether anyone was inside the property at the time.

The spokesman for Bridport Fire Station added: "Two entry points were made into the building sending six breathing apparatus wearers using three hose reel jets, four main lines, three thermal imaging cameras and small tools to extinguish the fire. A positive pressure fan was also used to clear smoke from the building.

"Thankfully the quick action of the crews prevented a significant fire. The cause of the fire was deliberate after cushions and other materials from a sofa had been set alight.

"It was obvious people have been unlawfully entering the building causing damage to the inside with smashed glass, damage to walls, rubbish, fallen cables and open trap doors in the floor. This can be extremely dangerous for the fire fighters entering the property with zero visibility.

"What seems like harmless fun could have major implications. This fire also caused a strain on the emergency services due to the amount of appliances and officers in attendance, plus all the standby moves instigated to cover stations in attendance.

"The local authority were requested to attend to secure the building."