'Our home burned down after moving in - we didn't even have time to unpack'

'Our home burned down after moving in - we didn't even have time to unpack'A removals van could still be seen parked outside the burnt-out buildingCommentsNewsHoward Lloyd Regional content editor11:22, 20 Apr 2026View 3 ImagesThe home destroyed by fire just 'hours' after a family moved in. A removals fan could still be seen outside(Image: SWNS)A devastating house fire gutted a flat just hours after a family had moved in. Fire crews were called to the scene at around 8pm on Saturday (April 18).‌On arrival, firefighters discovered a blaze tearing through the first floor and roof space of a residential building comprising two flats. It is believed that one family had only just moved into one of the properties on Milton Avenue in Melksham, Wiltshire.‌A large white removal van was still spotted parked outside the following day. One of the residents took to a Facebook group to reveal they had barely had time to begin unpacking.‌When asked what had caused the fire, she said: "We don't know we only just started unpacking. Nothing was on as we had just moved in so nothing was plugged in.''Thank you so much means a lot nothing was on as we had just moved iTn so nothing was plugged in the community have been amazing.''View 3 ImagesThe affected family thanked people for their support(Image: SWNS)‌Four pumping appliances from nearby towns attended the scene, along with an aerial ladder platform and a further pumping appliance from Bath. The fire service confirmed that one person received casualty care at the scene before being handed over to paramedics.Once the blaze had been extinguished, the operation was scaled down to three pumping appliances overnight to continue dampening down the scene.Crews finally stood down at 6.27am on Sunday, a spokesperson confirmed. In the aftermath of the tragic incident, the local community has pulled together to support those affected. A spokesperson for Dorset and Wiltshire Fire Service rel...