THE fire service has said that a call out to a Basingstoke block of flats for the second time in a week was a ‘false alarm’, while an investigation is ongoing into the cause of another.

As previously reported, Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service was called to Crown Heights, in Alencon Link, at 10.30pm on Monday, April 8.

READ MORE: Fire service called to Crown Heights in Basingstoke for second time in a week

It was the second time in a week that fire crews attended the town centre block of flats following another call-out on Friday, April 5 when some residents were evacuated after a fire was found on a balcony.

Basingstoke Gazette: The fire service was called to Crown HeightsHampshire Fire and Rescue Service has now confirmed that the second incident on April 8 was a ‘false alarm’.

A statement said: “Fire crews were called to a high-rise building in Basingstoke after a caller reported a smell of burning coming from their corridor, shortly before 10.30pm on April 8.

“Following an investigation by firefighters, it was found to be a false alarm with no sign of fire within the property.

“Crews left the scene at around 11.15pm.”

SEE ALSO: Fire crews called to Crown Heights in Basingstoke

The fire service said the previous incident on April 5 was a small balcony fire which started just before 6pm.

It said: “The initial indications suggest the fire was caused by smoking materials, but investigations are ongoing.”

Crews left just before 7pm.

Crown Heights residents are awaiting work to remove potentially dangerous cladding from the building, which was delayed again last year after being due to start in September 2023.

The work is now expected to start in July 2024.

The external cladding at Crown Heights, which has around 250 flats, contains the flammable material ‘expanded polystyrene’ and features no fire breaks.

It means the building is at risk of being engulfed if a fire broke out, similar to the tragedy that happened at Grenfell Tower in 2017.