Fire at Dunelm Store in Northamptonshire: Customers and Staff Evacuated
A serious fire broke out at a Dunelm store in Northamptonshire earlier today, prompting a swift evacuation of customers and staff. According to a spokesperson for Dunelm, "Thankfully everyone was safely evacuated and, as far as we are aware, no one was harmed in the incident." The company expressed its gratitude to its in-store team for their support during the ordeal and to the Northamptonshire Fire and Rescue Service for their rapid response.
The fire, which is believed to have started at the store located on Towcester Road, prompted a significant emergency response. Firefighters from Northamptonshire Fire and Rescue Service were quick to attend the scene, and they remain on site to deal with the aftermath. Residents in the surrounding area have been advised to keep their windows and doors shut until further notice.
The incident has caused significant disruption to the local community, with Towcester Road between the St Peter’s Way roundabout and the Shell Garage roundabout expected to remain closed "well into the evening". The fire service has apologised for the inconvenience and thanked residents for their patience while they deal with the incident.
Eyewitnesses described the scene as "horrible to watch", with smoke billowing from the building. Kirsty Connor, a shopper who was at the retail park with her children, said: "My daughter was crying over the animals in Pets at Home because she is hoping they are safe." The concern for the safety of animals in nearby stores highlights the distress caused by the incident.
The Northamptonshire Fire and Rescue Service has confirmed that they are still dealing with the aftermath of the fire and have urged residents to follow their advice to stay safe. A spokesperson for the fire service said: "Thank you for your patience while we deal with this incident." The cause of the fire is not yet known and is likely to be subject to a full investigation.
Dunelm has a large presence in the UK, with many stores across the country. The company has reassured customers that it is taking the incident seriously and will cooperate fully with the investigation. In a statement, a Dunelm spokesperson said: "Our thanks go to our in-store team who supported our customers throughout, and to the Northamptonshire Fire and Rescue Service who were on site quickly." The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of fire safety and the need for vigilance in public places.
This is a developing story, and the BBC will bring you updates as more information becomes available.
