A 17-year-old Calcot boy has been arrested on suspicion of arson with intent to endanger life in connection with the fire. He remains in police custody. Chief Inspector Emily Evans, the LPA’s deputy commander for West Berkshire, said: “Unfortunately, a number of residents have been displaced and a number of properties have been damaged, some of which is very significant. “We have arrested a 17-year-old boy in connection with this incident while our investigation continues. “I am appealing to anyone who was in the area last night and saw what happened to please contact Thames Valley Police either by making a report online or by calling 101 quoting reference number 43220335883. “If you don’t want to speak to the police directly, you can also call the independent charity Crimestoppers 100% anonymously on 0800 555 111. “Obviously, this incident has had a significant impact on the local community with a number of residents affected. “Support is being provided and work is continuing to ensure the relocation of those whose homes have been severely damaged. “There will be a significant police and detective presence at the scene for some time as the investigation continues. “The exact cause of this fire is still under investigation, and we are in the very early stages and would urge the local community not to speculate, but to contact the police if you have any information that may help. “I would particularly like to hear from anyone who may have CCTV, doorbell or CCTV footage from the time of the incident last night to contact us and provide it. “It is a testament to the professionalism of the officers and our colleagues in the fire and ambulance services that this incident was quickly brought under control and no one was seriously injured. “I would like to thank the local community for their patience and understanding in supporting the evacuation while we dealt with a very serious incident.” 11:30 am In a statement, One Housing said: “Earlier this morning, One Housing was alerted to a fire affecting nine houses in Red Cottage Drive, Calcot, Reading and dispatched a team of property experts to support our customers. “Our team is working to support customers with temporary accommodation and financial support for those who have been unable to return to their homes. For those neighboring residents who have been allowed to return to their homes, we are assessing any repairs required. “Our thoughts are with the residents affected by this and we thank the work of the emergency services and the local council. “Our focus remains on supporting our customers during this difficult time.” 10:30 am Some residents are allowed to enter the other buildings now the fire is out, but the affected properties are still cordoned off. Watch manager at Theale fire station Mark Brown-Smith said: “There was a lot of panic and anxiety from residents when we arrived. “Initially we started by trying to get the fire under control at the front. “We were told that some residents had gone back inside to try and retrieve their pets, we had to upgrade this to a self-reported incident and send crews out to find them. “The people who reported coming back went in for a while and came back out. No one was inside the building and no one needed rescue. A fire and security situation has taken place. 09:00 am: Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service say the incident is now down, but firefighters remain at the scene and are being reduced. Repeat checks are also being carried out and people are being asked to avoid the area. In a statement, the service confirmed that crews from Newbury fire station and a crew from Theale, Caversham Road, Whitley Wood, Wokingham Road, Mortimer, Bracknell, Crowthorne and Maidenhead fire stations were all sent to the scene, along with the Aerial Ladder Platform . from Whitley Wood Fire Station, the Incident Command Unit from Maidenhead Fire Station and two RBFRS officers. In a statement, South Central Ambulance Service said: “SCAS attended and sent an operational lead, paramedics and a hazardous area response team to the scene to support. Firefighters are carrying out further checks on the properties. 08:45 am: Residents living in Red Cottage Drive described their shock after waking up in the early hours of the morning. “It was absolutely horrific, said one resident. “There were flames, everyone moved away. We were told to get the children out of the houses in case of a gas explosion. “This is the third time there has been a fire on Red Cottage Drive in recent years. “It’s like living in a lego set – if one goes up, so do the rest. “We spent most of the night outside and then went up to the center around 3am, he added. “We’re literally up all night basically.” Another resident described the scene as terrifying. He said: “He was on fire – he knocked on the door and I was told to leave, so I did. “I was in shock, I didn’t know what to do, then the adrenaline just kicked in. It’s bad.” District councilor for Tilehurst South and Holybrook, Biyi Oloko said: “I am here to listen to the residents and get a better understanding of what happened here. “Hopefully the lessons learned here can be applied elsewhere. 07:30 am: Several houses have been damaged following a fire in Red Cottage Drive, Calcot. Residents were evacuated from the scene and headed to Calcot Nursery, which has been set up as a triage centre. Thames Valley Police, Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service and South Central Ambulance Service have been at the scene since the early hours of this morning. Police said in the early hours of the morning that no serious injuries had been reported “at this time.” Nearby residents are being asked to keep their doors and windows closed by emergency services while Red Cottage Road is closed. The cause of the fire is currently unknown. Firefighters remain at the scene to extinguish the fire. Video from Paul King found at the scene of the fire in the early hours. Local journalist Paul King, who was at the scene shortly after the fire started, said: “Major fire in six houses at Read Cottage Driving Reading. “10 fire engines and reports of a loud bang, so one person [told me].” Thames Valley Police, Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service and South Central Infirmary Ambulance Service have been contacted for comment.
