Businesses counting cost of a huge blaze
TWO businesses in Boldon have been severely damaged after a fire broke out on Wednesday night.
Barkers Motorcycles and M&S Prestige Sales were both affected by the blaze, which began just before 10pm.
Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service sent two crews from South Shields to the scene as well as crews from Washington and Hebburn.
A single-storey metal shed at Barkers Motorcycles repair shop was completely destroyed and there was also was also heat damage to the main building, cladding and roof.
Around 200 tyres and 10 scrap scooters located in the yard were also severely damaged by the fire. Paul Patzer, who has owned the building for 31 years, estimates the damage could be up to £30,000 but admits: “It could be much, much worse.”
He added: “I received the phone call saying there was a fire in the building. I came down last night and this is what I found.
“I have not lost the stock inside and I have not lost any customer’s bikes, which is a massive bonus.”
The shutter was damaged while firefighters battled the flames but Paul is hoping to secure the premises and begin trading again on Monday.
At the other affected business M&S Prestige Sales, which sells cars, the paint store, cladding and fire door were destroyed.
Approximately 20 cylinders which were in the vicinity but not involved in the fire were cooled by crews.
A spokeswoman for Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service said: “Firefighters used three jets, two HR jets, four breathing apparatus, three positive pressure ventilation and four thermal imaging cameras as well as Holmatro spreaders to gain entry and a generator for lighting. We left at 22.49pm.”
An investigation into the cause of the fire is now under way.