RUMOURS that a major fire at a block of flats in Oakridge was caused by a barbecue on a balcony have been discounted, fire investigators have confirmed.
Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service (HIWFRS) fire investigation team have been at the scene of the fire in Oakridge Road since it started on Saturday, May 27.
READ MORE: Crews battled fire in block of flats in Basingstoke - recap
More than 80 firefighters tackled the blaze as residents were evacuated from 24 individual flats in nine blocks.
The fire service’s investigation team has since confirmed that “rumours speculating that the cause was a barbecue on the balcony have been discounted”.
They added that the “cause is still to be determined”, however, Hampshire Constabulary has confirmed it is not suspicious.
These photos show the extent of the damage to the three-storey apartment block following the fire.
Crews were sent to the incident at 3.20pm on Saturday where the roof and second floor of the building were ablaze.
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