A family's new beginning turned to tragedy when a devastating fire gutted their flat just hours after they had moved in. The blaze tore through the property on Milton Avenue in Melksham, Wiltshire, on Saturday evening, leaving the residents with nothing but the clothes on their backs.
Fire Strikes Shortly After Move-In
Fire crews were called to the scene at 7:58 pm on April 18, following reports of a property fire. On arrival, they discovered a well-developed fire raging through the first floor and roof space of a residential building that contained two flats. It is believed that one family had only just moved into one of the properties, with a large white removal van still parked outside the following day, a stark reminder of their abrupt displacement.
Family Left with No Time to Unpack
One of the residents took to a Facebook group to share their harrowing experience, revealing they had barely begun unpacking. When asked about the cause of the fire, she stated, "We don't know we only just started unpacking. Nothing was on as we had just moved in so nothing was plugged in." She added, "Thank you so much means a lot nothing was on as we had just moved in so nothing was plugged in the community have been amazing." This highlights the sudden and unexpected nature of the disaster, leaving the family with no chance to settle into their new home.
Fire Service Response and Casualty Care
The Dorset and Wiltshire Fire Service deployed a significant response to tackle the inferno. Four pumping appliances from Trowbridge, Devizes, Bradford on Avon, and Chippenham attended, along with an aerial ladder platform and an additional pumping appliance from Bath. Firefighters used main jets and hose reel jets to extinguish the blaze, which required extensive efforts through the night.
During the operation, one person received casualty care at the scene from firefighters before being handed over to paramedics for further medical attention. The fire service scaled down the response to three pumping appliances overnight to continue damping down the scene, with crews finally standing down at 6:27 am on Sunday. The last crew left just before 8 am, marking the end of a grueling 12-hour battle against the flames.
Community Rallies in Aftermath
In the wake of this tragic incident, the local community has pulled together to offer support to the affected family. The resident's Facebook post expressed gratitude for the overwhelming kindness shown by neighbors and locals, underscoring how such events can bring people together in times of need. This outpouring of solidarity provides a glimmer of hope amidst the devastation, as the family faces the daunting task of rebuilding their lives from scratch.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation, with authorities yet to determine what sparked the blaze in a home where nothing was reportedly plugged in. As the family grapples with their loss, the removal van outside serves as a poignant symbol of a move that ended in disaster, reminding us all of the fragility of home and security.
