Arson investigation after fire at restaurant in Old Harlow
News / Thu 14th Apr 2022 at 05:16am
Update
ESSEX Firefighters were called to the scene of a fire involving a two-storey converted restaurant in Fore Street, Harlow on Thursday morning.
Crews confirmed on arrival that the premises, which measures around 10 metres by 20 metres, was 25% alight and completely smoke logged. The fire itself had spread within the roof space.
Crews divided the area into sectors to allow them to surround the fire and make the scene safe as quickly as possible.
At 5.30am, James Taylor, Group Manager at Essex County Fire and Rescue Service, said: “I’d like to thank our crews for their quick response to begin managing this incident quickly and professionally in difficult conditions.
“Right now, we’re working hard to get the fire under control – so for safety reasons many of the nearby roads will be closed this morning. We are likely to be here for some time making the scene safe before completing a fire investigation to understand the cause of the fire.
“With that in mind, please avoid the area if you’re planning to travel this morning and allow extra time to your journey if you live or work nearby. Thank you for your co-operation.”
At 6.30am, the fire was under control. An Aerial Ladder Platform, which allows crews to work at height, was in use to support the cutting away of the roof to access and extinguish remaining hotspots within the structure.
Fortunately, thanks to the hard work of crews, the building has avoided significant damage. The road remained closed for much of Thursday. Firefighters worked with Essex Police and local residents to manage access to nearby properties.
The fire was fully extinguished by 8.45am and the last crews were able to leave the scene at 1.45pm.
A fire investigation has determined the cause was deliberate.
ESSEX Firefighters are currently at the scene of a fire involving a two-storey converted restaurant in Fore Street, Harlow.
Crews confirmed on arrival that the premises (Erman’s Kitchen), which measures around 10 metres by 20 metres, was 25% alight and completely smoke logged. The fire itself was within the roof space.
Crews have divided the area into sectors to allow them to surround the fire and make the scene safe as quickly as possible.
Crews confirmed on arrival that the premises, which measures around 10 metres by 20 metres, was 25% alight and completely smoke logged. The fire itself was within the roof space.
Station Road is shut from the High Street to 100 metres north.
At 5.30am, James Taylor, Group Manager at Essex County Fire and Rescue Service, said: “I’d like to thank our crews for their quick response to begin managing this incident quickly and professionally in difficult conditions.
“Right now, we’re working hard to get the fire under control – so for safety reasons many of the nearby roads will be closed this morning. We are likely to be here for some time making the scene safe before completing a fire investigation to understand the cause of the fire.
“With that in mind, please avoid the area if you’re planning to travel this morning and allow extra time to your journey if you live or work nearby. Thank you for your co-operation.”
** This is a live incident. Further information will be posted here as it becomes available. **
At 6.30am, the fire was under control. An Aerial Ladder Platform, which allows crews to work at height, was in use to support the cutting away of the roof to access and extinguish remaining hotspots within the structure.
Fortunately, thanks to the hard work of crews, the building has avoided significant damage. The road will continue to be closed this morning. Firefighters are working with local residents to manage access to nearby properties.
A full fire investigation will take place once the scene has completely cooled.
Norman - Ignoramus
I doubt they need an insurance job Norman, when they charge £20 for some rice and grilled chicken. Hope nobody was hurt.
I was told by the fire crew that the restaurant is badly damaged. We live right beside it. It was very scary at 4.30 am I can tell you
I said to a friend after the latest relaunch of this resteraunt that it will end in flames. Was once a very good pub. Such a shame
Used to be a good boozer
Used to be best pub in old Harlow, wasn’t there objections to change?
It can't have been the best pub, as it failed several times & landlords/breweries went bust. It was doing better as a restaurant and certainly quieter and less trouble than when it was a pub. Sad the building has been so damaged but pleased nobody was hurt.
Walk my dog past it every night. It's always dead. Not surprised
Alan walks a dead dog?
Better then walking a live dog. Less poo to pick up
Pigeons smoking again in the roof I always see them picking up the fag butts round town . Tony the Pigeon is worst .
Hopefully their CCTV system saves to the cloud and they have footage of the arsonists, and the Chequers has CCTV of the street and there were the much-publicised 27 CCTV cameras covering Market Street installed by the council to protect the residents so the Police can't fail to identify them can they?
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