Crews remain at accidental commercial fire

Crews from Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service remain in attendance at an incident in Eccleshall, where we are advising people to avoid the area.

Firefighters were called to a commercial premises on Stone Road, Eccleshall, at 5.30pm today (Friday 25 March), following reports of a hedge fire.

Crews from Penkridge, Stafford, Eccleshall, Newcastle and Rising Brook attended the scene alongside a specialist environmental resource.

Upon attendance, the blaze had spread to surrounding buildings in the area.

A 1,000 litre diesel tanker was also affected.

Six breathing apparatus, two main jets and two hose reel jets were used to extinguish the fire at 6.30pm. Water was supplemented from a nearby natural resource.

The cause of ignition is believed to be accidental, as a result of a controlled burn in the nearby area which had spread.

Firefighters remain at the scene and are urging residents to avoid the area where possible.

Station Manager Lee Chevin, of Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service, said: “Crews will remain at the scene for considerable time and would like to ask the public to avoid the area where possible.

“We urge the public to ensure they are cautious when burning materials during warmer weather. Fires can spread to surrounding wood, fence panels, foliage and other furniture rapidly and can quickly become difficult to contain.

“Firefighters have worked proactively in order to mitigate large scale damage to the area and have acted swiftly in restricting the spread of the blaze.

“We will continue to support the business owners and issue post-fire advice where applicable.