A family of two adults and two children were today continuing to recover from the effects of smoke inhalation after flammable aerosol foam used to fill the inside of a Buddha statue exploded and burst into flames in their Titchfield Common home.
The fire broke out in the living room of a home in Churchill Close after the occupier was using the expanding foam substance next to the open fire.
An explosion burst from the open fire and immediately the carpet, settee and inside of the statue broke into flames, a report from fire investigator Graham Howlett said.
It added that the most likely cause of fire was accidental because of the flammable aerosol being used near an open fire and surrounded by combustible materials.
The homeowner tried to extinguish the fire, but was unsuccessful. So everyone left the house and Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service was called.
The casualties were taken to Queen Alexandra Hospital to be treated for minor smoke inhalation.
There were seven people in the house at the time of the incident – four children and three adults.
It happened at 11.20pm on Tuesday (January 15).
Two crews from Fareham and one from Gosport were called to the detached property and fire fighters were on the scene until about 2am.
Neighbours were helping to clear parts of the property during yesterday. The ground floor was smoke-damaged with one window boarded up.