Firefighters from Hampshire and Surrey Fire and Rescue rushed to a fire at a two-storey block of flats on Wickham Place, Fleet, at 9.17pm on 27 August. One occupant trapped inside received vital fire survival advice from Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service Control operators.
Using ladders, firefighters rescued three people, while many others had already evacuated safely before crews arrived at the scene.
Neighbours raised the alarm after a smoke detector went off, quickly calling 999. Emergency services arrived to find a blaze raging in one flat, which was ultimately destroyed by the fire.
South East Coast Ambulance Service treated three casualties at the scene – two men and one woman. One of the injured was taken to hospital for further treatment.
The firefighting effort was extensive, involving the use of 16 breathing apparatus sets, deployment of five firefighting jets, and tactical ventilation techniques. The fire was declared under control at 2.05am.
A swift multi-agency response, including fire crews, ambulance, police, emergency planners, landlords, and local housing teams, helped to contain the incident efficiently.
Fire investigators remain on site to determine the cause of the blaze. Early indications suggest the fire was not suspicious.
Fire stations involved in the response included Fleet, Rushmoor, Hartley Wintney, Basingstoke, Liphook, Farnham, Odiham, Dunsford, and the headquarters.
Station Manager Richard North said: “The hard work of crews on the scene, colleagues in the control room and partner agencies stopped this fire progressing.”
Originally published by UKNIP.
