Blaze Breaks Out in Paddock Road Block – Six Flats Evacuated!
Fire Erupts in Bin Shed, Smoke Fills Hallway
Fire crews from Basingstoke and Odiham rushed to a block of flats on Paddock Road at 9:34pm on Saturday after reports of a fire inside the building’s first-floor bin shed. Thick smoke quickly spread through the hallway, forcing six flats to be evacuated.
Smoke Hood Saves One Resident as Firefighters Spring to Action
One occupant was fitted with a smoke hood before being safely led out by firefighters. The teams blasted the flames using high-pressure hose reels, then cleared the smoke with powerful ventilation fans.
Deliberate Fire Suspected, Police Investigate
Police have been alerted, amid suspicions the blaze was deliberately set. Crews completed a number of “Safe and Well” checks in the flats before heading back to the station just before 11pm.
Fire Chief Praises New Smoke Hood Tech
“Our teams worked effectively to safely evacuate residents, utilising our recently introduced smoke hoods, before extinguishing the fire,” said Basingstoke Station Manager Rich Oram.
“The hood has a breathing filter which gives 15 minutes protection from smoke to the wearer, allowing our breathing apparatus teams to lead members of the public to safety through a smoke-filled area.”
“Afterwards we were able to provide community reassurance by conducting a series of Safe and Well visits at the residents’ flats.”
