Massive Blaze Hits Prestigious Boarding School
Firefighters rushed to Horris Hill Preparatory School in Newtown Common just after midday on Thursday. A fierce fire broke out in one of the school’s boarding houses, sending plumes of smoke into the sky.
50 Firefighters Battle Flames at Three-Storey Boarding House
At the height of the blaze, more than 50 firefighters from 11 Hampshire stations and Royal Berkshire Fire & Rescue Service battled ferociously. Despite their efforts, the roof of the scaffolded boarding house was lost to the flames, Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service (HIWFRS) confirmed.
Residents Advised to Keep Windows Shut as Smoke Spreads
The fire was first spotted when smoke poured from a loft area. The thick smoke blanketing the local area led officials to advise nearby residents to keep doors and windows firmly closed for safety.
Fire Extinguished After Evening, Crews Stay Overnight
The blaze was finally declared out at around 7.20 pm, but firefighters stayed on site overnight, combing the wreckage for any remaining hotspots to prevent re-ignition.
Forfar Education, the school’s owner, has been contacted for comment.
