Fire devastates town centre (From Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard)

Fire devastates town centre

SHOPS and flats were evacuated and the centre of Cirencester closed off as a major blaze destroyed several buildings.

Large crowds gathered as the fire, which broke out at the Milletts camping store in Cricklade Street, quickly spread, turning the sky orange above the town on Saturday.

Explosions reverberated as gas canisters ignited and the roofs of several stores caved in.

Flats in the street were evacuated and one elderly woman was taken to hospital after suffering from smoke inhalation.

Gloucestershire Fire and Rescue Service spokesman Andy Gillingham said it was one the largest blazes tackled by fire-fighters in the county in recent years

He said: "It was a fairly dramatic scene. I think everyone did a very good job in getting it under control.

"It's devastating for the local community but first and foremost, we were thankful that the human cost was very low."

All three emergency services were called to the scene just after 4.50pm after the blaze was discovered by a member of the Milletts staff.

Up to six premises were affected by the fire and ten fire crews from across the county tackled the blaze.

It is believed the fire was caused by an electrical fault in the roof space.

The full dramatic story and pictures will be in this Thursday's Standard.