Reading fire: Homes destroyed and residents evacuated in large blaze
Police have reported no serious injuries at present
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Residents are being evacuated following a huge fire in Reading which has left more than six homes burning.
Emergency services were called to Red Cottage Drive in Calcot in the early hours of this morning.
Thames Valley Police, Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service and South Central Ambulance Service have been working through the night to tackle the blaze and evacuate residents.
Police have reported no serious injuries at present but a triage centre has been set up at Calcot Infant School for anyone who has been displaced.
Thames Valley Police said Red Cottage Road is completely closed at this time.
More than 50 firefighters were at the scene at the peak of the blaze, Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service (RBFRS) told the BBC.
“Two homes are severely damaged and many more affected,” they said.
According to the website uksocialhousing.co.uk, there are reportedly 49 registered social housing properties in that area.
Thames Valley Police tweeted at approximately 2am this morning: “At present, several residential properties have been destroyed by the fire and residents are being evacuated from the scene. There are no serious injuries reported at present, but further evacuations are under way.
“When residents arrive at the triage centre, please advise what property you are from, whether your vehicle remain on Red Cottage Drive, any medication required and any pets left at home address.”
People in the surrounding area have been urged to keep their windows and doors closed while the fire services tackle the blaze.
The cause of the fire is not yet known.
The latest blaze comes a week after Britain suffered a wave of devastasting wildfires which destroyed homes in the village of Wennington, east of London.
Fire crews battled at least 22 wildfires in England and Wales between 11am and 5.30pm, and hundreds of smaller vegetation fires.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments