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Amesbury flat fire: Residents' concern over blaze

BBC A block of flats with the exterior blackened by fire and smokeBBC
An investigation into the cause of the fire is ongoing, the fire service said

People forced to evacuate after their flats were hit by a large fire say they are angry with their landlord.

All 16 properties at the block of flats in Amesbury, Wiltshire, had to be evacuated on Friday night.

Residents have told the BBC they were concerned about the building's evacuation plans.

Landlord Stonewater said its fire systems worked effectively in line with government guidance. The fire service and police are investigating the cause.

Social housing provider Stonewater said it had been taking the problem of dumped rubbish seriously.

Some residents are expected to be allowed back in the next week, but some of the flats will take months to repair.

Resident Andrew Zajac said he had lost everything.

"Everything is melted or damaged," he told BBC Points West.

"I don't think I can rescue anything - I lost it in a day in about five minutes."

More than 30 people still unable to return home are being supported by a foodbank and by crowdfunding projects.

Diane, a shop worker at the nearby One Stop, called 999 and started banging on doors when she first spotted the smoke.

"I ran up the stairs and shouted at everybody to get out," she said. "By the time I got round the back again, it had took hold quite severely.

"It was scary, but I didn't really think; I just went into automatic pilot and I was ringing on the bells and knocking on the doors and just shouting at people.

"The church was amazing and all the people from around the area, who were helping out as well."

Diane outside One Stop shop at Sandell Place, Amesbury
Shop worker Diane called 999 and starting banging on doors to alert residents to the fire
A foodbank helping residents affected by Amesbury flat fire
The residents are being supported by a local foodbank and by crowdfunding projects

Wiltshire Council has provided temporary accommodation for people unable to return to their homes, and Val Smith, manager of the Alabare charity shop, said she had been giving out clothes.

"What they [the evacuated people] were wearing is all they've got," she said.

"They are in shock; quite emotional, especially one of the ladies, who was very tearful," she added.

An investigation into the fire, which seriously damaged four flats, is now under way. It is not known what specifically caused it yet, but the fire service said it could have been much worse.

Stu Gillion, group manager, Dorset & Wiltshire Fire Service, said: "Had we not put such a rapid intervention team in, to deal with the fire, this could easily have spread up through the roof and affected the whole building."

Bin store at rear of Sandell Place flats
The fire started in a bin store at the rear of the building, where residents allege there is regular fly-tipping

The block of flats is managed by housing association Stonewater.

A spokesperson for Stonewater said: "Thankfully, everyone is safe and no-one was hurt.

"The right fire safety measures are in place and certifications are up to date for this building."

Wiltshire Council leader Richard Clewer said: "This is a very difficult time for the residents living in the flats affected by the fire and we are offering support and advice to them.

"We're working alongside our partners and Stonewater Housing to ensure residents are kept informed."

Residents will meet representatives of the housing association on Monday and hope to find out when they can return home.

The nearby One Stop shop and Vet4Pets centre are also thought to have been affected by the fire.

Badly damaged flats at Sandell Place, Amesbury
Four flats were severely damaged by the blaze.
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