Firefighters Rush to Fire in Cheltenham Town Centre
Emergency services rushed to a significant fire that broke out in Cheltenham town centre on Tuesday night. The blaze began shortly after 9.30pm on Bath Road, prompting a rapid response from Gloucestershire Fire and Rescue Service.
Eyewitnesses reported seeing flames and smoke pouring from a commercial property, believed to be a restaurant or takeaway, situated along the busy street. Alarmed by the intensity of the fire, several bystanders called 999, and within minutes, multiple fire engines were dispatched to the scene.
A spokesperson for Gloucestershire Fire and Rescue Service confirmed that crews from several nearby stations responded promptly to the incident. “We were called to a fire at a property on Bath Road at approximately 9.34pm. Crews from Cheltenham East, Cheltenham West, and Gloucester attended. Firefighters used hose reels and breathing apparatus to bring the blaze under control.”
Emergency services closed off a section of Bath Road to allow the crews to operate safely, causing traffic disruption and drawing a large crowd of onlookers. Police were also in attendance to assist with crowd control and ensure public safety.
Local residents reported hearing a loud bang just before the fire broke out, although the exact cause remains unconfirmed. “We heard a popping sound, then saw smoke coming from the roof,” said Julia Simmons, who lives in a nearby flat. “It all happened so quickly — the flames were huge.”
Firefighters worked for several hours to contain the blaze and prevent it from spreading to adjacent properties. Their swift actions were praised by locals, many of whom watched the events unfold with concern. Thankfully, no injuries were reported, and it is believed that the premises were unoccupied at the time of the fire.
By midnight, the fire was largely under control, though crews remained on-site to dampen hotspots and assess structural damage. Early assessments indicate that the property sustained significant fire and smoke damage, particularly to the upper floors.
Investigators are expected to return to the scene on Wednesday morning to determine the cause of the fire. “Our fire investigation team will be working alongside police to carry out a full assessment,” the fire service spokesperson added. “At this stage, we are keeping an open mind as to how the fire started.”
Businesses along Bath Road have expressed concern about the impact of the incident, especially given its timing during the evening rush. “It’s really shaken the community,” said Mark Pritchard, owner of a nearby café. “We’re just relieved no one was hurt.”
As the town centre begins to recover from the shock of Tuesday night’s fire, the affected business faces a difficult road ahead. Support from local residents and businesses is already being offered, highlighting the close-knit nature of the Cheltenham community.
Further updates on the investigation and recovery efforts are expected to be released in the coming days. Authorities are urging anyone with relevant information, including photos or videos from the scene, to come forward and assist with the inquiry.
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