01 Dec 2011
Firefighters from three different counties had to come together to battle a blaze on an industrial estate in the early hours of Thursday morning.
A number of explosions involving liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) cylinders could be heard at the units on Beesemer Road, in Basingstoke, Hampshire.
More than 100 firefighters were subsequently called to the scene as the fire began to grow more powerful at around 12.30am.
They told nearby residents to stay indoors and close all their windows to remain safe as large swathes of smoke billowed out of the estate.
Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service, which was backed up by the Royal Berkshire and Surrey Fire and Rescue Services, explained that the fire began in Unit 8, which houses the Ready Made Picture Frame Company, before spreading to other units.
Area manager Steve Trevethick said: “On arrival, the initial crews were faced with a fully-developed fire in the light industrial block which was rapidly spreading from the front to the back of the building and across to other industrial units, with a large amount of smoke issuing.
“The building had partially collapsed. There were also several large explosions involving LPG cylinders.”
A total of 15 fire engines and an aerial ladder platform were sent to the site to tackle the blaze.
A fire service spokeswoman confirmed that no-one had been injured as a result of the incident.
Copyright Press Association 2011