DOZENS of homes in Basingstoke will need work carried out to make them safe after a housing association was issued enforcement notices following a major fire.

As previously reported, Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service (HIWFRS) has issued enforcement notices to Vivid Housing following a fire in Oakridge Road on Saturday, May 27, which ripped through several apartment blocks and left 24 families displaced.

Now, the Gazette can reveal that the enforcement action relates to 85 homes in Oakridge in Aspen Way, Pear Tree Way, Oakridge Road, and Forsythia Walk.

READ MORE: Vivid told to make homes safe after Oakridge Road fire

Basingstoke Gazette: Fire damage

Vivid has been asked what the work will involve, how long it is expected to take, and whether families will be able to stay in their homes while it is carried out.

It has not yet responded to these questions.

The enforcement notices were issued after an independent report was carried out into the major fire, which confirmed that it started on an external balcony and was caused by an electrical fault either with a cable or electric fencing.

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

More than 80 firefighters tackled the blaze which started at around 3pm. Residents watched in horror as the fire “spread within seconds” as they were forced to flee their homes.

Since then, concerned residents have been calling for answers as to how the fire spread so quickly.

Now, six months on from the incident, HIWFRS said it has issued enforcement notices to Vivid to make similar-style apartment blocks on the Oakridge estate safe.

Work to repair the damaged blocks is yet to start, and six families are still living in temporary accommodation.

The enforcement notices are in relation to articles eight, nine, 14 and 19 from the Fire Safety Order.

Article eight refers to a duty to take general fire precautions to ensure a premises is safe; article nine refers to risk assessments; article 14 refers to emergency routes and exits from premises; and article 19 refers to the provision of information to employees.

Vivid has been asked what exactly the work will involve but it has not responded. 

Tom Robinson, executive director of assets and sustainability at Vivid, said: “We’re working proactively and in partnership with the fire service on safety works relating to similar blocks within the Oakridge estate.

SEE MORE: Photos show extent of damage caused by fire in Oakridge

"We’ve acted swiftly on all recommendations. Required fire safety surveys and where needed upgrade work across these other blocks are in the process of being completed. The safety and wellbeing of our customers is always our top priority.”

Jason Avery, HIWFRS assistant director for community safety, said it is working with Vivid so that “required assessments and improvements are completed in a reasonable timeframe”, He added: “We would like to reassure residents that there are a number of fire safety measures in place to warn and protect residents should there be a fire.”

Do you live in one of the affected properties? Get in touch by emailing Emily.roberts@newsquest.co.uk.