Sholing: Candle was 'most likely' cause of Wood Close fire

Crews rushed to Wood Close on New Year's Day when a fire broke out, and residents of neighbouring flats reported hearing an explosion before flames took hold.

Two windows in the top-floor flat were shattered and destroyed, and a fundraiser was set up for the occupants of the affected flat who had most of their belongings destroyed in the blaze.

Firefighters attended the flat on January 2 to investigate the cause of the fire.

After an initial investigation, they found that the 'most likely' cause was a lit candle.

It is believed that nobody was at home in the top-floor flat when the fire started.

READ MORE: Calls to help mum and her young son after fire ravaged home on her birthday

Hampshire fire confirmed to the Echo that the incident has now been handed over to the council and its insurance company.

The occupants of the flat underneath the one that caught on fire said they were just 'playing a game' and suddenly heard 'a massive bang.'

A 17-year-old girl living underneath said: “I thought it was my brother’s window that had been smashed. I looked outside and thought a car had hit our building, because the flat was shaking.

“My brother went upstairs, kicking down the flat’s door to make sure everyone was out.

An aerial platform was used to put out the fire. (Image: Submitted) “I went downstairs and I was holding my two dogs in my hand, with my two cats and a cat carrier.

“There was smoke all in my mouth, I had no hands free to cover my mouth or anything.

“We ran outside with the dogs and other people helped us.

“All we could smell was smoke, as soon as it happened.

Part of Wood Close was cordoned off while four fire engines attended the scene. (Image: NQ) “We looked up to the top floor and all we could see were flames everywhere.”

READ MORE: Man rescues cats as fire breaks out in block of flats

On the night of the incident, a fire service spokesperson said: “Southampton firefighters are currently responding to a fire in a flat on Woods Close, Southampton, after being alerted by the HIWFRS Control Room shortly after 7.30 PM.

“Crews wearing breathing apparatus have entered the second-floor property, using an aerial platform and jets to tackle the blaze. Smoke is being cleared with high-powered ventilation fans.

“Three individuals are being treated on the scene for smoke inhalation by paramedics from South Central Ambulance Service."