30 firefighters tackle blaze at Lower Precinct Specsavers

[dutchman]

A firefighter had to be taken to hospital as crews battled a blaze at Specsavers in Coventry city centre this morning.



As many as 30 firefighters helped to fight the flames after the fire broke out at the Lower Precinct shop at around 7.40am.

Smoke billowing from the fire filled up most of the Lower Precinct and the main Central Library in Smithford Way, which was closed off for around an hour by police.

Firefighters wore breathing apparatus as they entered the burning store and one of them was treated for ‘heat stress’ at the scene before being taken to University Hospital in Walsgrave for further treatment.

Fire chiefs later confirmed that the unnamed firefighter had been discharged after treatment and allowed home.

The cause of the fire – which saw the front windows of the shop blow out and severely damaged the shop’s signage – is not yet known, but it is suspected it may have started in the showroom’s lighting.

Specialist fire investigators are due on site later today.

Group commander Mick Birch, from West Midlands Fire Service, said: “The fire spread very quickly but was contained to the shop as aggressive fire-fighting was deployed as soon as crews arrived at the scene.

“However, smoke from the fire did spread to adjacent shops and also the three floors of the library.

“One of our firefighters was taken to hospital suffering from heat stress as the heat had really built up inside the building itself.

“The cause of the fire is not yet known, but we are looking to get our hands on CCTV footage from the shop and our investigation team will be over later today.”

Fans were used to help clear the smoke from neighbouring shops, including Thomson travel agents and Co-operative Travel.

The surrounding walkways were re-opened at around 9am to allow workers and shoppers through the city centre.