Business fire deemed accidental

A large fire at a business premises in Burton-upon-Trent started accidentally, a fire investigation has confirmed.

Firefighters were called at 7.40am on Thursday 31 March to Derby Road, Stretton, following reports of a plume of smoke being spotted in the area.

Firefighters from Burton, Cannock, Rugeley, Tamworth and Tutbury attended the scene.

No one was reported injured.

Local businesses were evacuated and residents were advised to keep their windows and doors shut while crews worked at the scene.

Derby Road was closed for around 48 hours and both slip roads to the A38 were also shut for the day.

The fire was under control and extinguished by Friday (1 April) afternoon.

The cause of the fire has since been deemed accidental; relating to the use of a propane gas heat gun used to package products. 

Fire investigator, Watch Commander Tom Edwards, of West Midlands Fire Service, said: “I would like to thank the community of Stretton for their patience and understanding not only while crews worked to tackle the fire on 31 March but also as we worked with policing colleagues and local partners to carry out road closures, pump water to the scene, and keep members of the public safe inside their homes.

“We continue to do all we can to prevent fires in our communities and for safety advice on how best to avoid unwittingly causing an accidental fire, and other safety advice, visit the Your Safety page.”