A man died in a fire in a first-floor flat on Hughenden Boulevard, High Wycombe, early on Sunday 25 October. Eight fire crews attended; a file goes to the coroner.

A man has died in a fire at a block of flats on Hughenden Boulevard, High Wycombe. Buckinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service was called at 12.14am on Sunday 25 October. The fire was in a first-floor flat in a three-storey block.

The service says the man was pronounced dead at the scene. His next of kin have been told. “Our thoughts are with them, and his friends, at this difficult time,” it said (Buckinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service, incident report).

He has not been named.

The response

Eight crews and five officers were at the scene at the height of the fire. The crews came from:

  • High Wycombe, with two crews and fire engines
  • Beaconsfield, Amersham, Princes Risborough and Gerrards Cross
  • Maidenhead and Whitley Wood, in Berkshire

Firefighters used two sets of breathing apparatus. They checked carbon monoxide levels in the block with gas monitors. With South Central Ambulance Service, they gave advice to the other people living in the building.

The service began scaling back its response at about 1.29am. The utility supplies to the flat were isolated.

What happens next

The scene was handed to Thames Valley Police, which will prepare a file for the coroner. The fire service has not said what caused the fire. We will report the cause if it is published.

What it means for you

  • If you want your own home checked, Bucks Fire offers a free online home fire safety check. It takes about 15 minutes and covers smoke alarms, escape plans and hazards. If it shows a higher risk, you may be offered a free visit at home. You can also do it for a relative, with their consent.
  • If someone cannot use the online form, call Bucks Fire on 01296 744477 or email referrals@bucksfire.gov.uk.