Witness appeal after fire in Salisbury

Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service are appealing for witnesses after residents of a sheltered housing complex in Salisbury had to be rescued by firefighters last night (25th July 2021) when a fire broke out in a communal area. 

Two fire crews from Salisbury, Amesbury, and Fordingbridge were sent to Tintern Court, in Blackfriars Way, at 10pm after Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service’s Fire Control received multiple 999 calls. 

On arrival, they found a well-developed fire in a stairwell, which was spreading to the first floor of the two-storey block of flats.

An off-duty on-call firefighter from Salisbury had already helped one resident to safety when the first crew reached the scene. Three more people were then brought to safety.

Four breathing apparatus wearers used two hose reel jets to extinguish the fire, which badly damaged the communal area and stairwell, and caused smoke damage in three flats.

Group Manager, Tim Gray said, “Crews worked incredibly hard to contain this fire and prevent it spreading to the roof and into the adjacent flats. Having no casualties other than one resident taken to hospital for precautionary checks is a great relief.

“Our fire investigator is now working with Wiltshire Police, as the fire could have been started deliberately, and we would urge anyone with information about what happened to get in touch.”

Anyone with information about this incident is urged to call Wiltshire Police on 101 quoting log 54210072223. To report anonymously, please call Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.