The efforts of scores of firefighters who battled a building fire in Tidworth have been praised. 

The blaze on Jagdalik Road, which was reported to Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service (DWFRS), broke out on Tuesday, July 26 at 9.45am. 

Firefighters found the roof “well alight” when they arrived at the scene.

Following the incident at the Grade II listed building, The Stables, which is on the MOD Estate at Tidworth and used by Aspire Defence, managing director of Aspire Defence Services, Mark Carr, has praised the swift response and efforts of emergency services in battling the fire and limiting its spread.

He said: “We value and appreciate the work of the fire service, even more so over this saddening event and thank them all for their energy and hard work in tackling this fire and keeping us safe. The fire was put under control by mid-afternoon, after which their response was scaled back with relief crews keeping an eye on it overnight and departing by Wednesday morning."

At the height of the incident more than 20 fire appliances were at the scene including crews from neighbouring Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service. 

The first set of crews to be sent to the scene were from Salisbury (two), Andover (two), Basingstoke (two), Whitchurch, Pewsey, Marlborough, Winchester, Fordingbridge, Chippenham, Tadley, Eastleigh, Stratton, Devizes, Warminster, Hardley and Newbury (two), plus water carriers from Eastleigh and Royal Wootton Bassett, aerial ladder platforms from Basingstoke and Swindon, and a high volume pump from Christchurch.

The fire is believed to have started in the stores area of the building and spread through one wing of the building and roof.

Previously, a spokesperson for Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service spokesperson told the Journal: "We’re satisfied the fire started accidentally but the exact cause remains under investigation."

Though the incident occurred just after working hours began, Aspire Defence, says no one was injured, as every employee followed the fire evacuation plan safely to the assembly point.

Aspire Defence says its staff have been temporarily relocated to nearby offices.

Speaking further on the impact to its business operations, Mr Carr reassures that, “from our customers point of view (Army and MOD) it’s business as usual.”