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HAMPSHIRE Fire and Rescue Service has released its first statement following a major fire in Oakridge.
More than 80 firefighters from across Hampshire attended a large fire at a three-story apartment complex in Oakridge Road in Basingstoke throughout the afternoon of Saturday, May 27.
Crews from St Marys, Beaulieu, Wickham, Yateley, Alton, Eastleigh, Whitchurch, Winchester, Rushmoor, Fleet, Sutton Scotney, Tadley and Basingstoke were called to the scene at 3.20pm.
READ MORE: Smoke billows across Basingstoke as firefighters battle fire in block of flats
Flames grew across the second floor and the roof of the nine-block building. Firefighters worked to prevent the fire from spreading to surrounding flats.
Relief crews including six pumps and two aerial ladder platforms from Hampshire stations took over and stayed at the scene throughout the night.
The fire service announced on the morning of Sunday, May 28 that all residents have been accounted for.
Following the stop message at 12.51am (May 28) fire investigation officers are attending during the morning for further checks.
Area manager Jason Avery said: "Crews have worked brilliantly this afternoon to manage the spread of the fire, and I'd like to give my thanks to our fantastic partners including SCAS, police, local partners and Berkshire FRS who have worked equally hard to support us."
Anyone who is unable to go home due to the fire can go to Oakridge Hall for All in Forsythia Walk.
Those who have found somewhere else to stay should call the Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council's emergency phone line if they haven't already done so.
Council leader, Cllr Paul Harvey, has commended the community's response.
SEE ALSO: Shocking video footage shows flats burning in major flat fire
Cllr Harvey posted on Facebook: "This afternoon a major fire has affected properties in the Oakridge Village. We've been down on site all afternoon supporting people.
"I want to thank the emergency services who have been amazing in such terrible circumstances. The fire brigade wants to thank the community for rallying around to help them tackle the fire.
"We are working right now to ensure everyone affected is housed, supported and looked after. Vivid, the Borough and County Council are here working to make sure people are looked after.
"I just want to say that people have rallied round to deal with this awful situation and it shows what an amazing community we are. There'll be time for working out what happened and why, but right now it's about dealing with the emergency and supporting our community."