Probe after fire destroys building
FIVE FIRE ENGINES CALLED OUT AS BUILDING BURNT OUT
An investigation is under way into a large-scale fire which ripped through two businesses.
Fire crews were called to Richard Street, in Hetton , just before 6am yesterday after the blaze broke out.
The fire tore through Hetton Computer Centre and Fur Babies Dog Grooming in the street.
Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service released photographs taken from an aerial ladder platform which show the charred remains of the building, which leads onto busy Front Street in the town.
Four fire appliances and the platform were called to deal with the blaze after being alerted by a member of the public who was passing through the Hetton area at the time.
There were no reports of any injuries following the incident, with firefighters on the scene for most of yesterday.
Residents were advised to keep their windows closed while the fire was put out by the fire service.
An investigation has now been launched into the cause of the fire.
One man who was passing the area at the time the fire broke out but did not want to be named, told the Echo: “I was driving through Hetton and there was just black smoke right through the place.
“I could see it was next to the computer shop.
“I spoke to two people from the fire brigade to tell people where it was.
“One of the woman in the flat opposite where the fire was got out just in case because slate started falling off the roof of the buildings.”
A woman who works close to where the fire began said: “Railings have been put up to stop people waling past.
“It was quite horrific when we saw it here this morning.
“There were ambulances and five fire engines out too as well as two police vans.
“There were gas and electric vans here because obviously they had to disconnect things. I saw three ambulances going to other call-outs and they couldn’t get through because the road was shut.
“It’s not the type of thing you expect to see when you’re at work on a morning.
“We ended up watching it for hours but it looks as if no one was hurt.”
Kind staff from Greggs bakery branch in the town ensured that firefighters dealing with the blaze had warm drinks and comforting sustenance to help keep them going.
The rescue service tweeted its thanks, saying: “We still have firefighters at the scene as work continues to damp down hot spots.
“Thank you @GreggsOfficial for providing refreshments to the crews. #KeepingYouSafe”.