Crews from Basingstoke and Odiham were called to the block on Paddock Road at 21:34 on Saturday evening after reports of a fire within the building’s first-floor bin shed.

The fire had caused heavy smoke logging throughout the hallway of the block and six flats had to be evacuated, including one occupant who was given a smoke hood to wear before being led to safety by firefighters.

Crews tackled the blaze using high pressure hose reels before clearing the smoke with ventilation fans.

Police were informed due to it being believed the fire was set deliberately.

Crews returned to station at 10.53pm after completing a number of Safe and Well visits in the building’s flats.

Basingstoke Station Manager, Rich Oram said:

“Our teams worked effectively to safely evacuate residents, utilising our recently introduced smoke hoods, before extinguishing the fire. 

“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.”