THE fire service has given an update on a major fire in Basingstoke three months after it happened and said investigations are ongoing into how it spread so quickly. 

The fire at a block of apartments in Oakridge Road on Saturday, May 27 was tackled by more than 80 firefighters and destroyed or damaged the homes of 24 families who were displaced.

Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service (HIWFRS) previously said it had concluded an investigation into the incident after discovering the fire was caused by an electrical fault.

READ MORE: Fire service identifies cause of major blaze in Oakridge Road

However, following calls from the Gazette questioning how the fire spread so quickly and what lessons have been learned, the fire service has now said it is “continuing to investigate” and has provided an update.

Jason Avery, area manager, assistant director (operations) – prevention and protection, said fire investigation officers determined that the fire was accidental, originating from an electrical source on an external balcony.

He added: “We are continuing to investigate how the fire spread, which includes a peer review from a partner fire service that is due to conclude shortly.

“As is our procedure following a significant incident, we are reviewing our findings to ensure we learn from this incident and work to improve as an organisation.”

SEE ALSO: Families fled burning building as fire 'spread within seconds'

Mr Avery said the building did not meet any “specific criteria that would have made it a concern for us”, however, the service has conducted a number of "post-incident visits" to gather more information.

“Throughout the incident and during the investigation phase we have worked closely with our local partners and the housing company, Vivid, in order to support the impacted residents,” he added.

Residents previously told the Gazette that the fire “spread within seconds” and were left with concerns about how this happened when the blaze started during the day at around 3pm.