Multiple fire scenes stretch emergency services across Slough
Emergency services from Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and London worked through the weekend to tackle two significant fires in Slough, one of which destroyed four terraced homes and left families displaced.
The first incident, in Cumbrae Close, was reported at 4.07pm on Saturday. Fire crews encountered a blaze affecting a row of four terraced houses, three nearby garages and two parked vehicles. Firefighters from Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service (RBFRS) were joined by crews from London Fire Brigade and Buckinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service and remained at the scene for more than eight hours to bring the fire under control.
- Location: Cumbrae Close
- Time reported: 4.07pm, Saturday
- Impact: Four homes destroyed, garages and vehicles also affected
- Response: RBFRS with assistance from London and Buckinghamshire services
At the Cumbrae Close scene, firefighters wearing breathing apparatus rescued two animals — a pet cat and a lizard — and provided emergency care to both at the scene. One firefighter was assessed by South Central Ambulance Service after being exposed to smoke and taken to hospital as a precautionary measure; RBFRS later confirmed the firefighter was discharged.
“On arrival, crews discovered a fire affecting a row of four terraced houses, three nearby garages and two parked vehicles.”
The scale of damage left families at the scene describing the losses as total, with reports that some households had “lost everything” after roofs collapsed and properties were gutted.
Second blaze prompts further evacuations
Less than 24 hours later, at 8.10am on Sunday, emergency teams were called to a separate fire at a storage unit and vehicle lot off Mill Street in the town. RBFRS said properties were “safely evacuated” while crews worked to contain the blaze.
Further details about the extent of the Mill Street fire were not released in the RBFRS statement, but the deployment of multiple stations to two large incidents over a short period placed a sustained demand on local resources.
Local emergency response and community impact
RBFRS published details of the Cumbrae Close response, naming the units involved as including a command unit from Maidenhead and firefighters from Ascot, Langley, Slough, Theale and Wokingham. The combined effort required five hose reels at the worst of the fire and a prolonged period of firefighting to reduce the flames.
Events of this kind have immediate consequences for residents and services. Families rendered homeless will require housing support and practical assistance while investigations into the cause of each fire are carried out. The involvement of multiple fire and ambulance services highlights the cross-border nature of emergency response in the Thames Valley area.
| Incident | Reported | Primary impact |
|---|---|---|
| Cumbrae Close | 4.07pm, Saturday | Four homes destroyed; garages and vehicles damaged; two animals rescued |
| Mill Street | 8.10am, Sunday | Fire at storage unit and vehicle lot; properties evacuated |
RBFRS emphasised that the firefighter who was taken to hospital was assessed as a precaution and subsequently discharged. The service did not release further medical details, citing standard procedures. Local agencies including the ambulance service and neighbouring fire brigades continue to support community safety and recovery efforts.
For residents in the affected streets and surrounding areas, the priority in the coming days will be welfare support for displaced households, recovery of salvable possessions where possible and clarity on the causes of the fires. Where properties are made uninhabitable, council and charity assistance is often needed to secure temporary accommodation and essential items.
Emergency services remind households to keep clear of active scenes to allow crews to work safely and to follow any advice from local authorities concerning evacuations, road closures or safety checks.
The investigation into each fire remains with the relevant authorities; any updates on injuries, cause and long-term impacts will be published when available.
How residents can help or get help:
- Follow official updates from Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service and Slough Borough Council.
- If affected, contact local council housing and emergency welfare services for immediate support.
- Avoid the scenes to allow emergency crews to work safely and keep roads clear for response vehicles.
