Marquee unit hit by blaze

Saturday 22nd September 2007, 11:23AM BST.

More than 40 firefighters fought a blaze at a Leominster marquee business.

Firefighters were called to Garden Marquees, Southern Avenue, Leominster, last night.

A serious fire had broken out, which destroyed most of an industrial unit and an adjoining premises.

The unit was used to store plastic marquees, which are highly flammable.

Crews were still on site this afternoon dampening down the fire, to make sure it did not reignite.

A fire service spokesman said the cause was not yet clear and fire investigation officers will go to the scene later. At its height, fire crews were worried the blaze would spread to a neighbouring electricity substation.

Staff from Central Networks and Transco were called to the scene to isolate supplies at the substation.

Firefighters worked to make contain the blaze so it did not cause damage to the electricity unit or affect adjoining buildings.

Firefighters from across Herefordshire and Worcestershire were dispatched to the blaze.

The factory was completely devastated by the blaze and bosses of the company will now have to find ways of meeting orders for marquees placed by customers.

Police are also awaiting a report from fire experts on the cause of the blaze.

Eyewitnesses said the blaze was spectacular and flames could be seen leaping from the industrial estate.

View more: South Shropshire news.