Watford Atria: Firefighters Tackle Large Electrical Bla
Watford, UK — A large-scale electrical blaze broke out at the Atria shopping center in Watford late last night, sending thick plumes of smoke into the air and prompting an emergency response from local fire services.
The incident occurred around 9:00 PM when reports of smoke and electrical sparks alerted shoppers and staff to the growing fire. Authorities swiftly evacuated the entire shopping center, ensuring the safety of the public before the fire spread further.
According to the Hertfordshire Fire and Rescue Service, at least eight fire engines and dozens of firefighters were dispatched to the scene. The blaze, which started in the building’s electrical system, was described as “challenging” due to its location within the complex’s infrastructure. Crews worked through the night to contain the fire and prevent it from causing extensive damage to the rest of the building.
One witness, Emma Collins, who had been shopping with her family when the fire broke out, described the scene: “We suddenly saw smoke coming from the ceiling, and within minutes, staff were directing everyone to evacuate. It was quite scary, but everything was very organized.”
The fire services confirmed that the blaze was brought under control in the early hours of the morning, and cooling operations continued into the day. While there were no reports of serious injuries, one firefighter suffered minor smoke inhalation and was treated on the scene by paramedics.
The electrical fire is believed to have started due to a fault in one of the main electrical units, though investigations are still underway to determine the exact cause. The fire service will be working alongside Atria management and electrical engineers to ensure that the building is safe before reopening to the public.
A spokesperson for Atria Watford commented, “We are grateful to the fire service for their quick response and professionalism. The safety of our customers and staff is our top priority, and we will be working closely with authorities to assess the damage and ensure the center is safe for reopening.”
Shoppers who were evacuated last night have been advised to monitor Atria Watford’s website and social media channels for updates on the reopening of the center. Several stores have sustained smoke and water damage, but early reports suggest that the main structure of the building has remained intact, preventing what could have been a far more devastating incident.
As the investigation continues, locals are praising the rapid and organized response by both Atria’s staff and the firefighters, whose efforts prevented the fire from spreading beyond the electrical systems and avoided more severe damage to one of Watford’s busiest shopping destinations.
– Time of the incident: Around 9:00 PM
– Location: Atria Watford shopping center
– Fire origin: Electrical system
– Emergency response: 8 fire engines, dozens of firefighters
– Injuries: One minor injury (firefighter with smoke inhalation)
– Current status: Fire under control, investigation ongoing
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