Overview
- A fire broke out in an upper-floor beach hut on Sandbanks that spread to neighbouring cabins, officials said the incident occurred on Wednesday evening.
- Authorities say the blaze was caused by a faulty cooker and left multiple beach huts significantly damaged with at least one cabin completely burnt through.
- Firefighters mounted a large response because gas canisters were present and worked at the scene until about 8pm to make neighbouring huts safe and access a hydrant on Banks Road.
- Emergency services confirmed the fire is fully extinguished, all gas canisters have been removed, no one was injured, no suspicious circumstances were identified, and the public was asked to avoid the immediate area.
- The row of huts sits on Sandbanks, a high-value coastal area where cabins are in short supply, and owners say the loss is devastating for the local hutting community.