Firefighters rushed to a fierce blaze this afternoon after a garden fire rapidly spread to a modern house on Egerton Drive, Basingstoke. Crews from Basingstoke and Old Basing worked to tackle flames that gutted the rear of the property, causing significant damage to both the ground and first floors.
The fire is believed to have started in the garden shortly after 2:30pm before jumping to the house. With no one at home at the time, the blaze quickly damaged the kitchen and melted the rear guttering due to the intense heat.
Alert neighbours spotted smoke and raised the alarm, allowing fire crews to arrive swiftly and prevent the fire from spreading further inside the property. Using a single hose reel, firefighters managed to bring the flames under control.
Two fire engines remain on site as Hampshire and Isle of Wight Police take over the investigation. Officers were required to break into the unattended property. The area around the house remains cordoned off while inquiries continue.
Originally published by UKNIP.
