RESIDENTS are being urged to avoid an area of Basingstoke this afternoon (Thursday, May 5) as firefighters tackle a house fire.

Posting to Twitter, Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service (HIWFRS) wrote: "Our crews are currently on scene at a house fire in Chivers Close Basingstoke.

"Please stay away from the area to allow our firefighters to work."

Neighbour Paul Graham, 37, said: "When we came back from the school run there was fire engine here and we had to go round as the road was shut.

You can't get down Claythorpe Road. It is gridlocked.

"There was an ambulance here and two police officers, plus at least five fire engines and the aerial platform. The house was engulfed in flames and smoke but it's dying down now. It was quite bad."

A HIWFRS spokesperson added: "Around 30 firefighters are currently tackling a house fire in Chivers Close in Basingstoke. 

"Crews from Basingstoke, Hartley Wintney, Andover and Fleet were called at 15:24 this afternoon. 

"One two-storey property is fully involved in the blaze which is being tackled by firefighters using jets, hose reels and the aerial ladder. 

"Please avoid the area as crews work to extinguish the fire."

The Gazette has contacted Hampshire Constabulary and South Central Ambulance Service for further information. 

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