Down Grange Fire: Athletics and Hockey clubs lose everything

As previously reported, around 60 firefighters from across Hampshire raced to battle the blaze at Down Grange at 5am this morning, Monday, September 1.

The Maidenwell Pavilion, home of Basingstoke Hockey Club, had gone up in flames and fire crews were able to extinguish the blaze by 9am.

While the cause of the fire is still unknown, the Gazette has been informed that every piece of equipment stored in the pavilion's tunnel, much of which was owned by Basingstoke and Mid Hants Athletics Club, and Basingstoke Hockey Club, has been destroyed

Claire Brockbank, vice chair of Basingstoke Hockey Club, Liz Flitcroft of Basingstoke and Mid Hants Athletics Club and Ken Littlejohns, vice chair for life at Basingstoke and Mid Hants Athletics Club (Image: Newsquest)

Liz Flitcroft, of Basingstoke and Mid Hants Athletics Club, said: "We've lost everything. All our stored equipment is gone, melted by fire and damaged beyond use.

"All our stuff for Hampshire Hoppit that we had built up over 10 years is gone. The gazebos, the signage, all those useful bits.

"It is going to take a lot of time and effort to get us back where we were."

Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service (HIoWFRS) confirmed it will send investigation officers later in the day to determine the cause.

The smell of smoke filled the air at 1pm, when a Gazette reporter visited the site to speak with local sports leaders.

Liz continued: "Nothing we had was flammable, but a lot if it was combustible.

"Lots and lots of great big water containers have been destroyed. The course marking stakes for cross country have melted.

"Floodlights are also damaged, the electricity is out.

"We have an event on Sunday, and the club championships are now in jeopardy, the first cross country is on October 5.

"I'm absolutely gutted."

A spokesperson for HIoWFRS said: "Around 60 firefighters have tackled a fire at a sports club on Pack Lane in Basingstoke during the early hours of this morning (Monday 1 September).

"Crews from Basingstoke, Overton, Tadley, Eastleigh, Kingsclere, Winchester, Sutton Scotney, Rushmoor, Alton and SHQ were mobilised shortly after 5am.

"On arrival, firefighters found the building well alight. Supported by the aerial ladder platform, water carriers, and other specialist vehicles, crews wearing breathing apparatus worked to prevent the fire from spreading, using hose reels and jets to bring the blaze under control.

"The stop message was received at 9am. Fire Investigation officers will attend later today to determine the cause of the blaze."

The Gazette has contacted Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council for a comment. Basingstoke Hockey Club confirmed it will release a statement in due course.