A two-property fire which broke out in Old Basing this morning (January 16) has now been extinguished with all residents and pets unharmed. 

Four fire engines were deployed from around Basingstoke to an ongoing incident on Pyotts Hill at 8.56am followed by and ambulance after a fire broke out in a domestic property measuring six meters by six meters. 

The fire appears to originate from inside a repair workshop for the owner's business 'Upcycled Appliances' located at the back of number 7.

The fire quickly spread to the adjoining property at number 9 which then burnt through the first floor of the home with the roof alight which later crumbled from the fire.

It took the crew an hour to extinguish the fire since they were called out, needing three jets, two hose reels and eight breathing apparatus sets to tackle the fire.

Basingstoke Gazette: Neighbours were quick to console the families with cups of tea and a shoulder to lean on. Neighbours were quick to console the families with cups of tea and a shoulder to lean on.

Firefighters saved two cats and a five-year-old family dog from the blaze from the properties as well as retrieving valuable items including flat screen TVs and beloved cuddly animals.

One resident, who works at Everest Community Academy, said: "I got the call about ten minutes after I got into work telling me to come home immediately. So far they have rescued my cat but my fish is still in there; I know it's silly but its still worrying when the things you love are up in flames."

The owner of the two properties, Jeff, who rents them out to tenants said: "I'm absolutely devastated, just in complete shock but I guess i'm lucky compared to my neighbour."

Basingstoke Gazette: More than 20 officers and four fire engines were needed to put out the blaze.More than 20 officers and four fire engines were needed to put out the blaze.

Bartons Lane was closed off by the police to allow easy access for the emergency services with officers helping out behind the scenes.

One member of the public commented on social media saying that she hopes the family are all okay, noting "items can be replaced, lives cannot."

The Fire Investigation Unit are now on-site conducting a thorough examination to uncover the specific cause of the fire which they aim to complete before the end of the day.