Fire in electrical cupboard leaves building with fire damage
Crews responded to a fire in Market Square, Saffron Walden, after receiving multiple 999 calls just before lunchtime.
Reports suggested that people might be missing in three flats located above a café bar. Thankfully, bar staff acted quickly to evacuate the premises.
Fire engines from Saffron Walden, Newport and Stansted were called to the scene. Essex Police and the East of England Ambulance Service, including their Hazardous Area Response Team (HART), also attended to support at the scene.
The fire, which involved an electrical installation, made initial firefighting efforts challenging. Six firefighters wearing breathing apparatus worked to extinguish the fire, which was brought under control within 45 minutes.
Station Manager Kevin Jenner said: “The building has suffered extensive smoke and fire damage, leaving three residential flats uninhabitable. Businesses in the area were also impacted due to a power outage caused by the fire.
“Crews worked alongside UK Power Networks to make the area safe and ensure the fire was fully extinguished.”
The cause of the fire is currently under investigation.
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