Date: 10th November, 2016
Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service is continuing to support communities in the Manchester Road area of Swindon, following the fatal house fire in the early hours of Monday morning (7 November).
Wiltshire Police have confirmed that, sadly, a 30 year old woman has died. Three other people remain in hospital, while two have been discharged following treatment.
Chief Fire Officer Darran Gunter said: “This was an extremely challenging incident and our crews – who arrived within three minutes of the 999 call being received – did a magnificent job in rescuing three people from a burning building, whilst also providing initial casualty care for those who were already removed from the premises when we arrived.”
Over the course of the week, fire service personnel have been visiting homes in and around Manchester Road to offer reassurance and fire safety advice to the local community.
They have also been liaising with Swindon Borough Council, community leaders and Wiltshire Police, to ensure that the right support is being made available to local people.
The initial fire investigation with the police has indicated that the fire was a tragic accident – enquiries continue into the exact cause and a report will be sent to the Coroner in due course.
Mr Gunter said: “We know that the police have appealed for any mobile phone footage of the fire to support these enquiries, and we echo their call for people to be mindful about what is shared and commented on within social media. Both the grieving families and our crews involved in this tragic incident will find such posts both painful and distressing.”
Anyone who would like a Safe & Well visit from the Fire and Rescue Service can:
- Call free on 0800 038 2323; or
- Visit dwfire.org.uk/safe-and-well-visits