Fire service update on serious blaze in Dilton Marsh

Fire crews blocked the main B3099 road through the village on June 14 as they tackled the “significant” house fire throughout the night.

Firefighters equipped with breathing apparatus check the roof space. Photo: Trevor Porter 69931-8 (Image: Trevor Porter)

Emergency services were called out to the incident at around 5.45pm after neighbours spotted flames and black smoke at the rear of the two properties.

At its peak, there were more than 25 firefighters and seven pumping appliances at the scene, including a support vehicle from Hamworthy and an aerial platform from Swindon.

Seven water pumps from Devizes (x2), Westbury, Warminster (x2), Trowbridge and Frome plus the aerial platform from Swindon and support vehicle from Hamworthy at Dilton Marsh. Photo: Trevor Porter 69931-6 (Image: Trevor Porter)

It is not yet known how the fire started and an investigation into the cause began on Thursday morning.

A Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service spokesperson said: “We were called to High Street, Dilton Marsh at 5.45pm on June 14 for a fire affecting two homes.

“At the height of the incident, we had crews on scene from Warminster (x2), Westbury, Trowbridge, Devizes (x2) and Frome, together with the aerial ladder platform from Swindon and a support appliance from Hamworthy.

“The firefighting went on through the night, with the stop at 6.29am this morning.

“Everyone from the two homes has been accounted for, and an investigation into what caused the fire is now underway.”

Firefighters equipped with breathing apparatus stand by at the house fire in Dilton Marsh. Photo: Trevor Porter 69931-7 (Image: Trevor Porter)

Neighbours said the house fronting the main road is occupied by a family. The second property behind is split into several flats.

Two of the tenants were sat on the roadside verge watching as their homes were being damaged by the fire but said they did not wish to comment.

On Wednesday night, neighbours rallied round the occupants of the two properties and offered them shelter.

Firefighters from several stations in Wiltshire and Somerset tackled the serious house fire at Dilton Marsh. Photo: Trevor Porter 69931-5 (Image: Photo: Trevor Porter 69931-2)

Neighbours dialled 999 to alert the emergency services at around 5.45pm and the area in front of the houses was cordoned off as fire crews tackled the blaze.

One resident, Trudi Murphy, 55, had just been discharged from the Royal United Hospital in Bath after suffering an anaphylactic shock on Tuesday.  She was on her way to her mother’s house when she saw the fire.

“I had just come out of hospital when I heard three loud bangs. 

“There was black smoke going straight up and I just knew immediately it was a house fire.”