Fire Destroys Home

13 April 2011, 09:25 | Updated: 13 April 2011, 09:27

Four people have been taken to hospital after a bad fire at house in Waterlooville.

Fire crews were called earlier this morning (13th April) at 00:56 with reports of a fire at a two story mid-terrace property at Curlew Gardens in the Wecock Farm. 

Control operators mobilised two fire appliances from Waterlooville Fire Station, one fire appliance from Horndean and two fire appliances and the Special Equipment Unit from Cosham to the scene.  The Aerial Ladder Platform from Southsea Fire Station, the multi-role vehicle from Havant were also mobilised to help together with command support crew from Portchester Fire Station and the Incident Command Unit from Service Headquarters in Eastleigh.  A total of 37 firefighters and 3 officers attended.

The house was completely destroyed.

Officer in charge, Station Manager Paul Coates said: “On arrival, the initial crews were faced with a very serious fire and flames coming out of the roof of the third house along a row of seven terraced properties.  They did a sterling job in tackling the fire and stopping it from spreading to the adjoining properties and firefighters were also dispatched work on the neighbouring buildings where the roof spaces were starting to smoke.  This would have no doubt been a much more serious incident had it not been for everyone’s hard work”    

Volunteers on call with the Red Cross in Hampshire also helped.  Mobilised by Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service, the Fire and Emergency Support Service (FESS) team made their way to the incident to provide emotional and practical support to the residents of the adjoining properties who had been evacuated from their homes. 

The FESS vehicle is kitted out with necessities such as a clothing bank, toiletries, a phone, documents and space for a team of fully-trained Red Cross volunteers to offer hands on help at the scene of the fire.  As well as immediate assistance, the Red Cross volunteers can also contact a victim’s insurance company, arrange alternative accommodation, help to secure a property and sort out utilities.

Four casualties suffering from the effects of smoke inhalation were taken to hospital by South Central Ambulance Service.

A joint investigation with the police will be carried to work out the cause of the fire. The families who were evacuated from nearby houses still haven't been allowed home and crews are still on the scene to make sure the fire doesn't re-ignite.