A major fire that broke at a residential tower under construction in Staines was caused by welding work, the developer has confirmed.

A significant fire at a residential tower under construction in Staines was caused by welding work, according to the developer.

On the afternoon of June 26, 2024, Surrey Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS), supported by the London Fire Brigade, dispatched eight fire appliances to the high-rise building in Staines town centre.

Fairview New Homes is developing the site, which includes two buildings under construction, standing at 13 and 15 storeys high. Grey smoke was visible from the roof of one building, where the welding was taking place.

The developer confirmed the building was unoccupied, and SFRS reported that everyone was accounted for. Three workers received treatment for smoke inhalation at the scene, and one person was taken to the hospital by the South East Coast Ambulance Service.

According to the Construction Enquirer, the developer stated: “Around midday today, our construction team notified us of a fire on the roof of one of the blocks at the Staines construction site caused by welding works. The fire has been extinguished.

“The Fire Brigade was immediately notified, and the entire construction site was evacuated according to standard procedure. One worker was taken to the hospital as a precaution. The building under construction was not occupied.

“We thank the Fire Brigade for their swift and effective action and apologize to the residents and businesses of Staines for any concern or inconvenience caused.”

In an update the next day, SFRS stated: “A huge thank you and well done to our staff and partners who supported yesterday’s incident in Staines-upon-Thames. Our crews left the site around 8 pm yesterday and re-inspected it again today.”