Multiple flats destroyed in Andover blaze

A block of flats in Andover was involved in a large fire which saw firefighters from across Hampshire and neighbouring Dorset and Wiltshire FRS called to the scene.

Smoke coming from the roof of the block on Charlton Road was first reported to the HIWFRS Control Room shortly after 4pm on Sunday.

The building was well alight so 13 fire engines were sent to the scene.

The block was fully evacuated and fortunately there were no casualties.

HIWFRS officers worked with emergency planning teams, the local authority, Sovereign Housing and the British Red Cross to support and rehouse affected residents, with a local church set up for those evacuated from their homes.

The gas and electrical supply to the block was isolated as firefighters wearing breathing apparatus tackled the flames with hose reels and jets.

Firefighters came from Andover, Winchester, Overton, Basingstoke, Alresford, Bishop’s Waltham, Eastleigh, Botley, Totton, Droxford, Tadley, Kingsclere, and our neighbouring partners DWFRS.

They were supported by specialist vehicles from Romsey, Royal Berkshire FRS, Portchester, Fleet, Southsea and the Incident Command Unit from HQ.

Relief crews from Petersfield, St Mary’s, Fareham, Gosport, Cosham, Stockbridge, Whitchurch, Grayshott, Havant and Rushmoor took over from the initial firefighters on scene and worked into the night.

The incident was scaled down overnight with one crew remaining in the morning, continuing to dampen down the scene.

Fire investigation officers attended to begin looking into what initially sparked the blaze.

“This was a significant incident for us with a large number of firefighters required to work into the night to contain and extinguish the fire affecting a residential block in Andover.

“Fortunately there were no injuries suffered but we do recognise that sadly a number of people have lost their homes and belongings.

“We continue to work closely with the local authority, emergency planning teams, Sovereign Housing and the British Red Cross to support the residents who have been impacted, and we must thank the local church for providing rest centre facilities.

“It is also great to see the local community rallying round to support those affected, with essential provisions donated for those that have lost so much.”

 

*LIVE FEED*

Update 7.15am 02 June

Crews remain on scene damping down hotspots. Our response has been scaled down to two pumps and an aerial ladder platform.

Fire investigation are expected to attend the site today.

Update 11.50pm 01 June

We are scaling back our response and currently have seven pumps, two water carriers, two aerial ladder platforms and support vehicles at the incident.

Update 8pm 01 June

Firefighters continue to work tirelessly to tackle the fire which spread to involve all three floors and the roof. We increased our attendance to 13 fire engines plus two aerial ladder platforms, two water carriers plus specialist support vehicles.

 

Initial incident information 01 June

Multiple crews from HIWFRS alongside colleagues from Dorset and Wiltshire FRS are in attendance at a fire affecting a block of flats in Charlton Road, Andover this evening (1 June).

Ten pumps, an aerial ladder platform, two water carriers and incident command vehicle were sent to the incident.

Firefighters are using hose reels, main jets and ultra high pressure lance to tackle the fire which is affecting the roof and second floor.

Residents of the flats have been evacuated.

Due to smoke in the area please drive carefully and residents living nearby are advised to close their doors and windows.

The initial call came in just after 4pm.