A fire broke out at the old Broadmoor Hospital today.
At 9.37am on Saturday, 25th May Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue received reports of a fire at a derelict building at the old Broadmoor Hospital site on Chaplains Hill, Crowthorne.
The fire was not located at the current hospital site and there was no risk to patients and staff.
Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service crews from Crowthorne, Bracknell, Ascot, Wokingham, Wokingham Road, Whitley Wood, Caversham Road and Slough were sent to the scene, together with crews from Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service and Surrey Fire and Rescue Service and two Officers. Two Aerial Ladder Platforms and other specialist off road vehicles have also been sent to the scene.
Upon arrival, firefighters found a well-developed fire in a building at the old Broadmoor Hospital site. There were no injuries reported and all persons are accounted for.
At the height of the fire around 40 firefighters from Berkshire, Hampshire and Surrey attended the fire, alongside three officers. Crews worked alongside officers from Thames Valley Police and Berkshire Lowland Search and Rescue Service.
Firefighters extinguished the fire using two aerial ladder platforms. However, they remained on scene for some time damping down the area, with a watching brief to ensure scene safety.
The cause of the fire will be subject to a fire investigation, which will be completed alongside partners.
Paul Bremble, Area Manager, Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service, said: “This was a significant fire at a derelict building on the old Broadmoor Hospital site which required a large response from our service and our partners.
“Although there was significant damage inside the building, crews worked effectively to contain the fire and prevent it spreading.”
Around 40 firefighters remained on the scene of this fire. Crews worked to contain the fire using aerial ladder platforms and remained at the scene for some time while they dealt with this incident.
People were asked to stay clear of the area while emergency services dealt with the incident and local residents were asked to keep windows and doors closed at the time.
Photos by Paul King
