THE community has united to support the 24 families who have had to move out of their homes following a major fire at a block of apartments in Oakridge.

More than 80 firefighters tackled the blaze at the three-storey apartment block in Oakridge Road which started during the afternoon on Saturday, May 27.

The Oak pub, in Oakridge Road, said as a community “we all need to pull together at this very sad time”.

READ MORE: Photos show extent of damage caused by fire in Oakridge as barbecue rumours quashed

It invited those families displaced into the pub for free food and drinks following the incident and is also looking to organise a family fun day to raise money for those who have “lost everything”.

Jonathan Cowie, chief operating officer at Vivid, which owns the block of apartments, said its priority is to “support residents of Oakridge Road whose homes and belongings have been affected by the fire”.

He said the 24 homes directly affected consist of tenants, shared owners and leaseholders, adding: “Thankfully no one was injured but clearly this is a distressing situation for those impacted due to the extent of damage to their homes.

"We’re keeping in regular daily contact with our customers, to help them, to keep them updated and to address questions and concerns they have.”

SEE ALSO: Crews battle fire in block of apartments in Oakridge - recap

Everyone has been found temporary alternative accommodation and Vivid is also providing access to funds for tenants to buy food, toiletries and essential clothing over the next few days.

Mr Cowie said the building and homes have now been secured with boarding and fencing, adding: “No access to them will be possible until the structure and conditions have been assessed and we know they are safe to enter. We will continue to have a presence and be available at the site over the days ahead.”

He said Vivid is “working closely” with Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council and local services to “support our residents”.

He added: “We’re looking at more permanent housing solutions but as we don’t yet know the extent of the damage, it’s unknown how many people will need a more permanent alternative home. We’ll make sure they are updated as soon as we have more information about this.

“Our focus continues to be on ensuring our customers and residents of Oakridge are safe and supported.”

A fund has also been set up by Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council and Basingstoke Voluntary Action to support the families whose homes have been destroyed. 

The borough council said the fund was launched "in response to lots of offers of help from the community for those who lost their homes and possessions in the fire". 

This has now gone live via a Charities Aid Foundation donate page at https://cafdonate.cafonline.org/23738. 

Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council leader Cllr Paul Harvey said: “It was amazing to see the way that the local community came together to support those affected by the fire.

"People immediately started to offer to donate things that the people who had lost everything in the fire might need to help them through the immediate aftermath and as they start to put their lives back together in the weeks to come.

"This is incredibly generous and says so much about the people of our town and borough and how much they care for others.

"Together with Vivid, we have been working to ensure that the people involved are supported and have what they need, but this fund is a way the community can give their help support them through this difficult time, if they want to. We have already heard of fundraising events being set up in the community.”

Chief executive of Basingstoke Voluntary Action Tony Capon said: “We know that people are keen to show their support and offer things they think may be needed.

"This is so kind and caring. However, there will be a variety of different things that those affected need, so this fund is the best way of supporting them, rather than donations of items that they may not need.

"We understand that there will be people that want to get involved but can’t afford to donate directly and would encourage them to volunteer for fundraising activities as an alternative way of showing support.

"We will work with the council and Vivid to get the money raised to the people who most need it to give them extra support.”

Vivid is assessing the damage to all of the properties to see whether some of them will be safe for residents to return and will be arranging alternative longer-term accommodation for tenants that need it. 

The council is liaising with the people who are not Vivid tenants and cannot go back to their home to support them in finding somewhere else to live.

Housing officers have been assigned to these households to make sure they have everything they need and a point of contact to help them.

The cause of the fire is still being investigated by Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service, although it has quashed rumours circulating that it was caused by a barbecue on a balcony.