Residents had 'lucky' escape amid fears Bishop's Waltham fire would spread
A woman was taken to hospital
Residents had a “lucky” escape after a fire destroyed a terraced bungalow but did not spread to adjoining properties.
A woman was taken to hospital after the blaze broke out in Pine Road, Bishop’s Waltham, on Wednesday around 6.10pm.
About 30 firefighters were sent out including crews from Bishop’s Waltham, Droxford, Wickham, Hightown, Fareham and Beaulieu.
Firefighters said that the blaze was out by 9.15pm, with the site monitored throughout the night in case of hot embers. A bungalow was destroyed in the blaze, and a neighbouring home was damaged by smoke.
The fire service said South Central Ambulance Service took one person to hospital, and that security of the site was handed over to police and Winchester City Council. It is not known how the fire was started yet.
The News has now learnt it was an elderly woman who was taken to hospital after recently moving into the bungalow, which is part of a row of four adjoining properties. It is understood she was treated for smoke inhalation.
On Thursday the house was fenced off as debris was seen scattered across the front garden. The front door was destroyed and the roof now has gaping holes in it.
The area was cordoned off by emergency services during the incident with residents revealing how they had to suddenly evacuate.
Disabled Keith Bartlett, who lives next door to the gutted bungalow but whose property is not joined, said: “It happened so quickly. I was sat there watching TV and saw some smoke and then went to the back door where there was a silhouette of smoke. I thought it was a bonfire.
“It only took 10 minutes to go up. There was grey smoke to begin with and then it was suddenly black.
“The police and fire service were there within a few minutes and got everyone out of their houses. I can’t walk and have an eclectic vehicle and was helped by a friend who took me to her place. I was back in my house by 9pm after they had carried out checks.”
The 68-year-old added: “It was a scary situation. I spoke to a firefighter who was worried about all the bungalows going up but luckily the firewalls stopped it from spreading. It was a worry they all might catch fire.”
Geoffrey Read, 77, whose bungalow is next door but one to where the fire took place, said: “The emergency services got everyone out and taped off the area. I’ve never seen smoke so high and so black and grey - it was beautiful but scary.
“The firefighters said it was lucky the bungalows had roof clay tiles to stop it spreading, which is what they were worried about. They said the whole road would have gone up otherwise.”
Another resident added: “It’s very sad. That’s someone’s life that went up in smoke. Hopefully they’re ok.”