Firefighters dealing with large fire at coach workshop

Firefighters in Bedfordshire have tackling a major fire at a coach workshop in Blunham between Bedford and Sandy.

Bedfordshire Fire and Rescue Service were called at 12.25pm to a fire in the vehicle workshop of Chiltern Travel, a coach tour company. Several vehicles were moved to avoid the fire spreading.

The scene was captured from the air by pilots who were out on a mission supporting Bedford Borough Council monitoring water levels in a flood alert area.

Residents in Blunham and the surrounding area are being advised to keep their windows closed to prevent fumes from entering their properties although the authorities say there is no direct risk from these.

With to the presence of acetylene cylinders and fuel oil at the scene additional fire appliances have been sent to the site.

Firefighters had to attack the fire from several directions using fire jets and using water curtains to prevent the fire spreading to a temporary building and a diesel tank thought to contain 500 litres of fuel.

The incident has been prolonged because of vehicle tyres and other combustible materials in the building.

Early in the incident firefighters wearing breathing apparatus to protect themselves from fumes and potential asbestos in the roof of the building

The Bedford Aerial Platform has been deployed as an observation post to enable senior officers to have a better picture of the incident.

Photos were supplied by volunteer pilots of the UK Civil Air Patrol on a survey in the area.