Cladding could have been factor in spread of Oakridge fire

Residents watched in horror as the fire ripped through a block of flats in Oakridge Road on May 27, 2023, with many questioning how it was able to take hold so fast.

More than 80 firefighters tackled the blaze which started at around 3pm as families were forced to flee their burning homes.

READ MORE: Shocking video footage shows moment brave firefighter climbs ladder to burning block

Now, a year later, Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service has released the details of an investigation into the incident which aimed to gain insight into what caused the fire, how it developed and spread, and any safety issues.

The report said that the roofs of 12 homes were damaged by the fire, smoke and/or water.

When firefighters arrived, they were told that a person had been seen at a rear window of one of the flats. The report said: “The firefighters were in offensive mode to tackle the fire, but the main priority initially was to enable crews to establish if all occupants of the building had safely evacuated.”

Thankfully, no members of the community were injured in the blaze, however, the report said that four firefighters received treatment for smoke inhalation, a minor hand injury, and a twisted ankle.

The report said the fire was accidental, most likely caused by an electrical item on an external balcony on the second floor, before spreading to the balcony below on the first floor, from burning debris.

When investigating how the fire spread, an independent investigation found that a gas pipe on the balcony of the first floor flat fractured because of either direct impact or heat.

SEE ALSO: Victims demand answers over Oakridge blaze as fire service gives second update

“Gas would have then aided fire growth and severity,” the report said, adding: “The roof became involved in fire when flames reached the roof soffit above the balcony, this may have been assisted by the presence of cedar cladding.”

The apex design of the balcony was also given as a possible reason for the flames spreading to the roof.

The report noted that at the time of construction of the building, there was no restriction on the use of timber cladding.

Investigators found that the fire then spread laterally involving multiple compartments.

Site plans, incident photos and footage and observations at a site visit were used to determine how the fire spread. However, the report said that because of the severity of the fire and the amount of damage to the roof, the visit to the affected building “was challenging”.

It added: “In addition, limited access was available due to work being carried out by the specialist demolition contractor.”

The investigation found that fire breaks in the roof, used to prevent a fire spreading, had performed effectively. However, it was found that some had fallen where there were unprotected steel frames.

This may have allowed gaps for the fire to spread over the panels where some had fallen.

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

The report said: “It is important to note that any fire prevention measures installed are aimed at slowing the spread of fire to give people time to safely evacuate they are not intended to completely contain the fire indefinitely.”

The block of flats is owned by Vivid, however, the report noted that for leasehold properties, the housing association has no right of access or control over their actions, meaning residents can make adaptions to their homes that “could impact on the effectiveness of fire safety measures, for example the installing of a loft hatch”.

HIWFRS carried out a number of post-incident site visits and inspections of similar buildings owned by Vivid and found “a number of fire safety measures in place to warn and protect residents should there be a fire”.

It added: “Some areas of improvement were identified and HIWFRS issued enforcement notices.”

It said Vivid “acted swiftly on the recommendations related to similar blocks within the Oakridge estate”.

The fire service also conducted community engagement in the area providing safety visits to 23 residents to offer advice.

In a statement issued a year on from the fire, Glenn Bowyer, assistant chief fire officer, said: “We understand the impact that this fire has had on residents and the local community. We recognise that while everyone safely evacuated from the property, people lost their homes and valued possessions that day.

“Our role as a fire and rescue service goes beyond extinguishing the fire and we have been working to support the residents affected through community reassurance activity and Safe and Well visits.

“We continue to engage with the community and will be attending this year’s Oakridge Hall4All Community Summer Festival to offer residents fire safety advice. I would also like to remind everyone that they can access our home safety check tool on our website.”