MORE than 50 firefighters were needed to battle a huge blaze which destroyed a brand new warehouse in Ronkswood.
A total of 11 fire engines were called to J Mart, a DIY and general hardware warehouse, in Newtown Road about 11pm on Sunday (July 27) after a number of residents reported seeing smoke billowing from the building.
On arrival, crews from Worcester found the fire to be so serious they immediately asked for more resources.
At the height of the blaze, 55 firefighters were tackling it along with specialist appliances including an aerial ladder platform, specialist foam capability and Hereford and Worcester Fire and Rescue Service’s command support vehicle with associated commanders.
Other emergency services including police, ambulance crews and the Envionment Agency were also called in to help with the response.
The flames were eventually brought under control after several hours, but crews were still in attendance at the site damping down on Monday morning (July 28).
Group commander, Michael Cadman, said quick thinking from firefighters had stopped the blaze spreading.
“Assertive fire fighting tactics along with excellent efforts from fire crews confined this fire to one property and saved an adjoining business,” he said.
“This also limited environmental impact and minimised disruption to our commercial and residential communities.”
The family run warehouse, which also has buildings in Hereford, Leominster, Kington, Craven Arms, Malvern and Ledbury only opened its doors a few days before the fire.
Fire chiefs said an investigation into its cause was now underway by the fire service and West Mercia Police.
