Date: 28th July, 2016
Firefighters are continuing to tackle a blaze that started in a former hotel last night (27 July).
Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service was called to a significant fire at the derelict Madison Hotel on Oxford Road, Swindon at 6pm.
The fire has caused substantial damage to much of the building, including the roof, with the smoke and flames visible from some distance in the early stages.
Nine fire crews – from Swindon (two), Stratton, Westlea, Chippenham, Malmesbury, Fairford, Cirencester and Faringdon – initially attended, supported by water carriers from Royal Wootton Bassett and Ramsbury, aerial appliances from Swindon and Gloucester, and an incident command vehicle from Stratton.
Crews from elsewhere in Wiltshire were mobilised to the Swindon area to maintain fire cover while the incident was at its height.
Overnight, relief crews were sent to the scene from Calne, Trowbridge, Chippenham, Devizes, Ludgershall, Corsham, Marlborough, Pewsey and Westbury.
As at 8.30am today (28 July), four crews – from Warminster, Melksham, Royal Wootton Bassett and Stratton – remain at the scene, supported by the Swindon aerial appliance and the incident command vehicle from Stratton.
While the fire is now mostly out, there are still some deep-rooted hot spots that firefighters are trying to access and extinguish. It is likely that a firefighting presence will remain on scene for much of the morning, and possibly longer.
The fire is believed to have been started deliberately, and the Fire and Rescue Service is working with Wiltshire Police to determine the cause.