Fire in Reading

Update: 1:30pm – Friday, 24 November

Councillor Jeff Brooks, Chair of Royal Berkshire Fire Authority, said: “On behalf of the Fire Authority, I would like to commend the bravery of the crane operator for an incredibly skilful rescue under extremely difficult circumstances, aided by two team members who guided him during the rescue. Without their actions, we may be looking at an entirely different outcome.

“We extend our best wishes to the two people who were rescued from the building. We understand that following brief treatment at Royal Berkshire Hospital, they are now at home, safe and well.

“I also would like to offer my sincere thanks to our crews who attended yesterday’s incident in central Reading. Our firefighters were quick to respond to the incident, arriving in under five minutes and worked very efficiently to get the fire under control – this is another great example of the professionalism and dedication of our staff.

“I would also like to praise the actions of our partners at Thames Valley Police, South Central Ambulance Service and Reading Borough Council who worked alongside our firefighters to swiftly respond to this incident.

“Thank you also to the community in Reading for their support and understanding during this time.”

Fire crews have left the scene of the incident on Station Hill, Reading.

The site has been handed over to the Responsible Person and we are working with the Health and Safety Executive to investigate the cause of the fire.

The cordons have now been removed around the area and we would like to thank the local community and businesses for their patience while this incident was dealt with.

Thank you to our partners at Thames Valley Police, South Central Ambulance Service and Reading Borough Council for their support in responding to this incident.

Crews were at the scene for approximately four hours and six minutes. Following the incident, firefighters returned to the incident to re-inspect the area, but all resources have now left the scene.

Update: 6pm – Thursday, 23 November

Wayne Bowcock, Chief Fire Officer, Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service, said: “Following today’s fire in Reading town centre, I would like to add my thanks to the crane operator for an incredibly skilful rescue under extremely difficult circumstances. Without their actions, we may be looking at an entirely different scenario.

“On behalf of the Service, I would like to extend our best wishes to the two people who were rescued from the building and wish them a speedy recovery.

“At the height of the fire, more than 50 of our firefighters and Officers attended the scene rapidly and worked quickly and aggressively, with support from  Police, Ambulance and other partners to extinguish the fire, which, as you can see from the footage had developed into a substantial fire.

“Thank you for the professionalism and dedication shown by all responders, as well as members of the Reading community for your patience and messages of support.”

At 11:38am on Thursday, 23 November, we received reports of a fire on Station Hill in Reading.

At its peak, over 50 firefighters were on the scene from fire stations across the County, including; Caversham Road, Wokingham Road, Newbury, Ascot, Bracknell, Maidenhead, Windsor, Whitley Wood and Theale. Additionally, the Aerial Ladder Platform and Incident Command Unit was on the scene, alongside six Officers.

Crews found the fire in a high-rise building under construction. Firefighters equipped with breathing apparatus used two main jets to extinguish the fire. We understand that two people were rescued by a crane and have been placed in the care of South Central Ambulance Service. All other people have been accounted for at this time.

The fire has now been extinguished and we have scaled back our resources at the incident, but a number of crews will remain at the scene at this time to dampen down.

Thank you to everyone for their ongoing cooperation during this time. 

At 11:38am on Thursday, 23 November, we received reports of a fire on Station Hill in Reading.

Over 50 firefighters are at the scene alongside an Aerial Ladder Platform and Incident Command Unit.

Upon arrival, crews discovered a fire in a high-rise building under construction. Firefighters equipped with breathing apparatus are using two main jets to fight the fire. We understand that two people were rescued by a crane and have been placed in the care of South Central Ambulance Service. All other people have been accounted for at this time.

Crews remain at the scene of the incident at this time. Please continue to avoid the area to allow emergency services access to the scene.

At 11:38am on Thursday, 23 November, we received reports of a fire on Station Hill in Reading.

Over 50 firefighters are currently on the scene, alongside an Aerial Ladder Platform and Incident Command Unit.

While emergency services continue to work at the scene, please continue to avoid the area where possible. 

At 11:38am on Thursday, 23 November, we received reports of a fire near Napier Road in Reading.

A number of our crews are currently on the scene. While emergency services work, we ask that people avoid the area where possible and close windows and doors if you live or work nearby.

Thank you for your patience while we deal with this incident. Updates will continue to be provided through our website incident feed.