Flats evacuated after fire rips through building

A block of flats had to be evacuated after a blaze ripped through the building.

Fire crews were called out to the property on Marigold Road in Frome, Somerset, at 18:51 GMT on Wednesday. The building's roof partially collapsed, but no-one was seriously injured.

Nine people have been moved into temporary accommodation in hotels due to extensive fire, smoke and water damage to the building.

Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service is investigating the cause of the fire, which was put put by 02:26 GMT.

Jessica Nutley who lives in the block where the fire started said she woke up to a "flashing orange" light in her hallway.

"I saw a window shatter and flames coming out of the window. I instantly started to panic," she said.

Ms Nutley said she has now been booked into temporary accommodation and received cash to help buy any essentials she may need.

Shane Proctor, who lives in a different block on the road, said he first realised there was a fire when he saw smoke outside his window.

He said: "I got my shoes on, went downstairs and saw loads of black smoke coming out of the first block, top floor.

"Everyone's running out at this point. There was flames coming out [of] the back window, but only smoke coming out [of] the front window and balcony."

Mr Proctor also described debris falling onto a car parked outside.

"It went up really quick," he said.

A Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service spokesperson said: "Crews made good and steady progress, bringing the fire under control and confirming that all persons were able to evacuate and were accounted for.

"The fire, the cause of which is still under investigation, originated in a second-floor flat and was extinguished.

"The integrity of the building was compromised due to a partial roof collapse."

One person was treated by paramedics for smoke inhalation, the fire service added.

Posting on Facebook, a woman who describes herself as a resident of the block in question, said she and others are in need of clothes.

"They're in need of clothes and shoes, if anyone would be able to spare XL men's clothes along with size 11 shoes and size 24-26 women's clothes along with size 7-8 shoes it would be unbelievably appreciated," she said.

Selwood Housing, which owns the property, said it has staff on site to answer questions and provide support.

"If you need assistance or would like to talk to someone, please do reach out," a spokesperson said.

They added: "We are thankful that all residents were able to evacuate safely, but we understand this incident will have been distressing for those involved and residents nearby. Our thoughts are with everyone impacted.

"Once we can gain access to the building, our teams will establish the extent of the damage and assess the building's safety.

"Updates will be provided to the customers affected as soon as possible."

A Frome Town Council spokesperson said it was "exploring ways" to assist residents.

The town's mayor Anita Collier said the council was "shocked and saddened" by the news of the fire.

"Our thoughts are with all the residents of the flats and everyone affected," she said.

"Thank you to the brilliant emergency services for getting everyone out safely.

"We're talking to our partner organisations about practical help we can offer as a community and we will share information soon."

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