More than 60 firefighters stopped a major fire that broke out at a thatched cottage on Viables Lane in Basingstoke, Hampshire, on 17 March 2026.
Hampshire & Isle of Wight Fire & Rescue Service sent a significant response and an aerial ladder platform to the scene after the emergency call came in just after 4:00 PM. Crews used breathing apparatus and Compressed Air Foam System (CAFS) to tackle the flames.
The fire was brought under control by 7:00 PM, and emergency services confirmed that no one was injured during the incident. While the cottage suffered total fire damage, firefighters managed to stop the blaze from spreading to nearby properties. A nearby pub was also evacuated and residents were advised to avoid the area.
Crews stayed at the cottage throughout the night to dampen down the area and watch for hidden hot spots. Officials are currently investigating the cause of the fire and have reminded residents to ensure their smoke alarms are working.
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