At 2:26pm on Tuesday, 18 August, we received reports of a fire on Patriot Place in Reading.

Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service crews from Caversham Road, Wokingham, Slough, Whitley Wood and Windsor fire stations were sent to the scene alongside an Officer and the Aerial Ladder Platform from Whitley Wood Fire Station.

On arrival, crews discovered a fire in a block of flats. Firefighters equipped with breathing apparatus used two hose reels, a hose reel jet and the Aerial Ladder Platform to extinguish the fire.

Two people were taken into the care of South Central Ambulance for smoke inhalation and were later discharged.

Crews were at the scene for approximately three hours and 15 minutes. Firefighters from Caversham Road Fire Station returned later in the evening to check the scene for hotspots.

An e-scooter under charge has been identified as the cause of the fire. To prevent similar fires, we advise against charging e-bikes and e-scooters indoors, especially in communal areas. For more information on electrical fire safety, please visit our website.