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Blaze at Old Bank Building

[ For a short while several fire crew could be seen up and down the surrounding streets in an attempt to locate a stable water source. ]

Pictures and video from the scene of the blaze following a lightning strike on the Old Bank building, Cross Street, Enderby.

The building is occupied by design company Creed Design Associates, who describe the renovated and refurbished old bank building as 'a spacious studio' in the heart of the village. The company produces interior and exterior design services for both small independent retailers and large multinational brands. Wellington Financial Management Limited occupied the ground floor and say most of their computer equipment is gone - although they are able to continue in business due to help from dedicated staff and business partners. All data is safe as it is held on remote servers

The fire began when the building was struck by lightning during a particularly heavy storm around tea-time today (Tuesday 28th).

Police and several fire engines were in attendance and the area around the scene was cordoned off. It eventually took seven fire crews about ninety minutes to bring the blaze under control.

Up to 25 people had to be evacuated from their neighbouring homes because of fears that the three-storey building might collapse.

Crowds of villagers gathered at the junction of Cross Street and High Street as well as Brook Street and High Street trying to get a closer look at the scene.

Residents living nearby told local media they heard an explosion as the lightning struck during a storm at about 5.30pm yesterday, which sounded "like a bomb going off".

They looked out to find that the roof of the Old Bank building (one of the tallest buildings in the centre of Enderby) had been hit by the bolt, sending the roof and top floor up in flames.

Local resident Paul Fitzpatrick, 49, of nearby Blaby Road, told the Leicester Mercury:

"There were two lightning strikes within about five minutes - the second one sounded like a bomb and all of our windows were shaking.

"Three women and a bloke were working up there - they had to run out while the roof was caving in."

Because of the danger from falling masonry and glass as well as possible 'whiplash' from telephone wires that had to be severed, the police and fire crew spent time urging those observing to stay well back.

Flames were first observed on the apex of the building and seemed to quickly spread along the rest of the roof. There was also the danger that, if not brought under control, the blaze could spread to adjacent dwellings.

(Above) Earlier, fire crew at street level played a hose through a top floor window of the building to try and stem the progress of the blaze which can be seen moving toward the edge of the roof.

Firemen were hampered by the lack of water from the normal sources. The weather had also interrupted electricity supplies and the water pumping station at Enderby failed, leaving much of the village without water for a period.

For a short while several fire crew could be seen up and down the surrounding streets in an attempt to locate a stable water source. Eventually a number of local residents with wells at the rear of their properties were able to let the fire service use portable pumping equipment.

Viewed from nearby Brook Street, a table-ladder deployed to fight the fire from above can clearly be seen above the rooftops.

Cross Street remained closed on Wednesday morning, as fire crews were busy damping down at the scene.

(All photos: EnderbyEYE)

Enderby EYE archived news 28/4/2009

Blaze at Old Bank Building

[ Earlier, fire crew at street level played a hose through a top floor window of the building to try and stem the progress of the blaze. ]

Pictures and video from the scene of the blaze following a lightning strike on the Old Bank building, Cross Street, Enderby.

The building is occupied by design company Creed Design Associates, who describe the renovated and refurbished old bank building as 'a spacious studio' in the heart of the village. The company produces interior and exterior design services for both small independent retailers and large multinational brands. Wellington Financial Management Limited occupied the ground floor and say most of their computer equipment is gone - although they are able to continue in business due to help from dedicated staff and business partners. All data is safe as it is held on remote servers

The fire began when the building was struck by lightning during a particularly heavy storm around tea-time today (Tuesday 28th).

Police and several fire engines were in attendance and the area around the scene was cordoned off. It eventually took seven fire crews about ninety minutes to bring the blaze under control.

Up to 25 people had to be evacuated from their neighbouring homes because of fears that the three-storey building might collapse.

Crowds of villagers gathered at the junction of Cross Street and High Street as well as Brook Street and High Street trying to get a closer look at the scene.

Residents living nearby told local media they heard an explosion as the lightning struck during a storm at about 5.30pm yesterday, which sounded "like a bomb going off".

They looked out to find that the roof of the Old Bank building (one of the tallest buildings in the centre of Enderby) had been hit by the bolt, sending the roof and top floor up in flames.

Local resident Paul Fitzpatrick, 49, of nearby Blaby Road, told the Leicester Mercury:

"There were two lightning strikes within about five minutes - the second one sounded like a bomb and all of our windows were shaking.

"Three women and a bloke were working up there - they had to run out while the roof was caving in."

Because of the danger from falling masonry and glass as well as possible 'whiplash' from telephone wires that had to be severed, the police and fire crew spent time urging those observing to stay well back.

Flames were first observed on the apex of the building and seemed to quickly spread along the rest of the roof. There was also the danger that, if not brought under control, the blaze could spread to adjacent dwellings.

Earlier, fire crew at street level played a hose through a top floor window of the building to try and stem the progress of the blaze which can be seen moving toward the edge of the roof.

Firemen were hampered by the lack of water from the normal sources. The weather had also interrupted electricity supplies and the water pumping station at Enderby failed, leaving much of the village without water for a period.

For a short while several fire crew could be seen up and down the surrounding streets in an attempt to locate a stable water source. Eventually a number of local residents with wells at the rear of their properties were able to let the fire service use portable pumping equipment.

Viewed from nearby Brook Street, a table-ladder deployed to fight the fire from above can clearly be seen above the rooftops.

Cross Street remained closed on Wednesday morning, as fire crews were busy damping down at the scene.

(All photos: EnderbyEYE)

Enderby EYE archived news 28/4/2009