FIRE crews who tackled a fire in Basingstoke yesterday (Monday) have confirmed it was caused by an "unattended lit tealight".

Emergency services were called to Winton Square yesterday after a fire broke out at a massage parlour.

Winchester Road next to the Wheatsheaf Pub was closed for some time while the incident was dealt with.

SEE MORE: Road closed as crews tackle fire at massage parlour in Basingstoke

A spokesperson from Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service, said: “Crews from Basingstoke, Fleet and Rushmoor were called to a massage parlour on Winchester Road shortly after 1.30pm this afternoon [Monday].

"The building had been evacuated but firefighters arrived to find smoke issuing from the first-floor.

“The building suffered significant fire and smoke damage and was caused by an unattended lit tealight.

"Hampshire Constabulary colleagues were requested to manage the traffic.”

Crews extinguished the fire wearing six sets of breathing apparatus, using two hose reels and one jet, before clearing the smoke with ventilation fans.

Residents in the area told the Gazette that they could see smoke coming from the building.

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A local resident, who did not want to be named, said: "There's a big fire above the shops. The fire engine will be a big problem as it's in the middle of the road. There's a lot smoke."

South Central Ambulance Service confirmed to the Gazette that they were not called to the incident.

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