I have been briefed by Deputy Chief Fire Officer Stewart Adamson on the ongoing investigation into the recent Oakridge flats fire, and also a separate suspected arson incident.
The fire on May 27th resulted in 24 families being moved out of their homes and the investigation into the cause of the fire and the way it spread rapidly is ongoing, though the cause is thought to be an accidental electrical fault. The Fire Service continues to have a high level of presence in the area to provide residents with information and reassurance. I highlighted residents’ concerns about similar blocks of flats in the area and was told that these buildings have been judged by the Fire Service to be safe. Any building works required to other similar buildings following the May fire has already been identified and enforcement notices have been issued. These are publicly available and can be viewed on a public register here
A full report on the fire investigation will be published and this will include who was responsible for the building's compliance with regulations.
The recent fire in a communal stairwell in Oakridge is being treated as arson and is entirely separate from the fire in May. Fire officers have been on the ground to offer home visits. In Basingstoke we have a specialist arson task force. These five arson investigation officers map incidences reporting and working closely with local police teams resulting in increased levels of arrest and conviction for this reckless crime.
Link to enforcement actions: Microsoft Power BI