A dramatic fire broke out near the Weymouth Sealife Centre on Sunday afternoon, sending thick black smoke and bright flames into the sky just across the road from the beach.
The blaze started at an electrical power station adjacent to Preston Road at around 3:45 pm, rapidly spreading to nearby trees and bushes. Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service responded with 12 firefighters and seven fire engines, working swiftly to contain the fire as police closed Preston Road along the beachfront to ensure public safety.
Residents were advised to keep their windows and doors closed due to the large smoke plume in the area. By 7:40 pm, the main fire was extinguished, though crews remained on site for several hours managing hotspots.
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Video footage captured from Weymouth Beach showed flames blazing and smoke billowing into the sky just meters from beachgoers lounging on the sand. Authorities established a road closure stretching from the Groyne Swimming Club to The Front skatepark while firefighting efforts continued.
Following the incident, Sea Life Weymouth announced it would remain closed on Monday, July 13, confirming the fire was confined to an exterior area and did not affect the aquarium buildings. They assured the public that no employees, guests, or animals were harmed and that the facility would reopen once it is deemed safe.