THE fire that ripped through the third floor of a Bournemouth town centre building spread from an initial plume of smoke to an incident requiring a major response.

More than 60 firefighters worked late into Saturday night to tackle the blaze in Holdenhurst Road.

Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service were called to reports of a flat fire near the junction with Cotlands Road.

Bournemouth Echo: The incident in its early stages. Picture: Amelia MorrisThe incident in its early stages. Picture: Amelia Morris

Bournemouth Echo: The thick smoke seen from several streets away. Picture: Courtney StephensonThe thick smoke seen from several streets away. Picture: Courtney Stephenson

But the fire began to grow and begin on its path of destruction.

Bournemouth Echo: From the south the incident it could be seen that the smoke was pouring out of a large part of the roof. Picture by Twitter user @lepetitstonerFrom the south the incident it could be seen that the smoke was pouring out of a large part of the roof. Picture by Twitter user @lepetitstoner

Read more: Holdenhurst Road reopens after flat blaze is tackled by 60 firefighters

A cordon was set up in Holdenhurst Road, which had become filled with fire engines and specialist appliances that were attempting to control the blaze.

Bournemouth Echo: The view of the aerial ladder platform at work. Picture: Jim DurkinThe view of the aerial ladder platform at work. Picture: Jim Durkin

Crews on the aerial ladder platform worked tirelessly pouring water onto the building from height in an effort to prevent it spreading across to neighbouring addresses.

Bournemouth Echo: Many fire engines occupied Holdenhurst Road. Picture: Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue ServiceMany fire engines occupied Holdenhurst Road. Picture: Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service

Hours into the firefighting operation and flames could still be seen roaring out of the building and the roof had started to collapse.

Bournemouth Echo: The roof begins to collapse. Picture by Twitter user @lepetitstonerThe roof begins to collapse. Picture by Twitter user @lepetitstoner

Bournemouth Echo: As time went on more of the roof disappeared, exposing the destroyed areas of the third floor. Picture by Twitter user @lordofwaxhamAs time went on more of the roof disappeared, exposing the destroyed areas of the third floor. Picture by Twitter user @lordofwaxham

While night fell and beach-goers were on their way home after the hottest day, crews continued to battle on.

Bournemouth Echo: The fire burned across the entire roof of the building. Picture: Ringwood Fire StationThe fire burned across the entire roof of the building. Picture: Ringwood Fire Station

Bournemouth Echo: The fire crews continued to utilise the aerial ladder platform. Picture by Twitter user @lepetitstonerThe fire crews continued to utilise the aerial ladder platform. Picture by Twitter user @lepetitstoner

Bournemouth Echo: When darkness fell, the aerial ladder platform team had to use their spotlight to target areas of the building. Picture by Twitter user @lordofwaxhamWhen darkness fell, the aerial ladder platform team had to use their spotlight to target areas of the building. Picture by Twitter user @lordofwaxham

On Sunday morning the devastation became clear to see.

Read more: Large flat fire was 'challenging' for crews due to building's roof

Bournemouth Echo: The damage seen on Sunday morning. Picture by Twitter user @lordofwaxhamThe damage seen on Sunday morning. Picture by Twitter user @lordofwaxham

Bournemouth Echo: A fire crew remained on the scene on Sunday to monitor any hot spots. Picture: Jim DurkinA fire crew remained on the scene on Sunday to monitor any hot spots. Picture: Jim Durkin

Bournemouth Echo: The third floor flat was completely destroyed. Picture: Jim DurkinThe third floor flat was completely destroyed. Picture: Jim Durkin