A COUPLE had a lucky escape after a fire broke out in their Basingstoke home.

A man and his wife were unhurt after they fled from their semi-detached house in Sutton Road, Oakridge, as 50ft flames leapt from the building.

Neighbours reported hearing loud bangs as the fire took hold. The alarm was raised just after 10.40pm last Thursday, and teams of firefighters were sent to the scene.

Around 34 firefighters from Basing-stoke and Tadley, an aerial ladder platform fire engine and special equipment unit from Basingstoke, and a multi-role vehicle from Rushmoor attended the incident to tackle the blaze.

Crews used eight breathing apparatus, two jets and one hose reel to extinguish the fire, which is thought to have started in a garage attached to the property.

Firefighter Nicholas Prickett, from Basingstoke fire station, told The Gazette that the incident is still “under investigation”. An arson investigation vehicle was seen outside the house following the fire.

Firefighter Prickett said: “The owner smelt the fire in the bathroom, went through the kitchen and opened up the garage. The fire was well lit, and he and his wife got out.”