Devizes street shut after fire rips through homes and takeaway
Fire crews work at the scene of a large fire in Devizes, Wiltshire
A street in Wiltshire has been shut off and homes evacuated after a fire ripped through a takeaway and spread to neighbouring properties.
Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue was called to Northgate Street in Devizes just after 3am on Tuesday 12 November.
A spokesperson said: "The fire has spread throughout the whole premises, including a takeaway restaurant, and into the roof spaces of the neighbouring properties, which have been evacuated.
"No injuries have been reported."
Around 40 firefighters were called to the scene and crews remain on site. The fire has since been brought under control but hotspots remain. Footage taken at around 10am shows smoke coming from the affected buildings.
Northgate Street remains closed to vehicles and pedestrians between New Park Street and Market Place.
A fire officer on the scene said: "We've had approximately 40-45 firefighters working hard to stop the spread of fire to the adjacent properties.
"At its height, at around five o'clock this morning, we had six fire appliances in attendance."
He added that the flames had spread to the walls of the buildings next door and so firefighters were tackling this to prevent them from spreading further down the high street.
Charlotte Rosier, the manager of a nearby pub, had spent much of the day making teas and coffees for fire crews.
She said: "It's such a shame really. I think it was quite a surprise for everybody when it happened. We've tried to help as much as we can by just providing somewhere for the firefighters to grab a quick drink, go to the toilet.
"We've also offered to help out the people affected by the fire. I think in Devizes everyone's really keen to help each other out when they can."
Firefighters are expected to remain on the scene for some time and members of the public have been told to avoid the area.
An online crowdfunder has been set up to help those affected by the fire, with over £2,000 raised so far.
It said: "We are hearing of such sad news coming in this morning about the devastating fire in Devizes town centre, we are currently setting up a go fund me page for those affected by the tragic fire of the Kebab house and their workers.
"They’ve lost everything they own in this world including all vital documentation they need and unfortunately costs to replace.
"Now homeless and out of work were hoping as a community we can help them in anyway we can even if it’s to cover the costs of expenses of documentation."