Fire in Northampton town centre causes major roads to close

  • Anglia

  • Massive plumes were seen rising from the fire. Video from X.com/@ShamishMonster

Several major roads in and around a town were closed due by a large-scale fire at a derelict building.

Huge plumes of smoke were seen rising from a fire in Bridge Street from around 6.30am on Friday.

A 500-metre cordon was put in place to allow firefighters to deal with the blaze.

Fire crews attended the scene and got the fire under control by 9am but the service said Bridge Street would likely be closed for the entire day.

Drivers were asked by police and the fire service to avoid the area.

Residents and businesses were advised to keep their doors and windows closed.

Bridge Street, Angel Street Derngate and Victoria Promenade were closed, and there was no access via St Peter's Way, Gold Street, Abington Street or The Drapery.

West Northamptonshire Council posted on social media that the council building would remain closed.

It said: "One Angel Square will be closed today (Friday 31 May). Any customers with appointments are advised to visit the Guildhall which remains open."

Northampton Museum and Art Gallery remains open to visitors.

Fire crews at the scene on Bride Street, Northampton. Credit: ITV Anglia

Friday's fire was the second incident within a year on Bridge Street.

In August 2023, the former Balloon Bar went up in flames.

Crews on the ground told ITV News it is also the same building that was damaged by fire in 2012.

  • The fire as seen from the National Lift Tower at 6.20am

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