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OAPs' home evacuated
From the Swindon Advertiser, first published Thursday 21st Feb 2002.
WORKMEN started a fire that spread through the roof of an old people's home in Wroughton causing thousands of pounds worth of damage.
A total of 16 out of 28 elderly residents had to be evacuated from part of Hastings Court sheltered home in Ellendun.
Fortunately none was hurt, but smoke damage to one room could run into thousands of pounds.
Three fire engines were called to deal with the blaze which started shortly before 3pm on Tuesday.
Workmen were using a blow-torch to renew roof felt when a wasps' nest caught fire.
Sub officer Rob Evans, said: "The material in a wasps' nest is so fine that it goes up instantly. .I don't think there's anything they could have done."
Four firefighters wearing breathing apparatus tackled the fire from within.
Resident Mike Lindsay, 65 said: "We have fire drills once a month and everyone knew exactly what to do."
Residents were taken to another part of the building to wait for the all-clear to return to their rooms.
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