Bath Road, Worcester closed; residents evacuated (From Worcester News)

Bath Road, Worcester closed; residents evacuated

9:53pm Wednesday 2nd December 2009 in

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AN intense fire which soared 20 feet into the sky ripped through a Worcester business late last night.

Residents living near Midland Power Machinery Distribution in Orchard Street, off Bath Road, were evacuated as the lawn mower and garden distrubution company’s asbestos roof began to explode during the inferno.

The fire started about 7.10pm and Bath Road was closed off to traffic in both directions while firefighters tackled the blaze.

A plume of thick smoke could be seen across the city.

Firefighters recovered propane gas cylinders from the premises which contained a large quantity of engine oil.

Police officers quickly established a 200-metre evacuation zone around the site forcing families to seek refuge in the Berwick Arms pub, Bath Road, before a temporary rest centre was set up at Cherry Orchard Primary School, Timberdine Avenue.

No-one was hurt as a result of the blaze.

Twelve fire engines and two water carriers were dispatched to the scene. A specialist compressed air foam appliance was also used because of the presence of oil.

It is not yet known what caused the fire, but an investigation will take place.

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