Two engines rushed to atria Watford as the shopping centre was evacuated, but firefighters found “no fire situation”.
Herts Fire and Rescue were called to the Marks & Spencer at around 12.33pm today (August 6) as the alarms sounded inside many town centre businesses.
Atria staff directed shoppers out of the centre towards the market as firefighters arrived. The service have remained at the scene despite not finding a fire upon arrival.
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As of 1.05pm, Marks & Spencer remained closed. Staff there confirmed there was no fire but said they were “still investigating” why the alarms were triggered.
Update: Read out latest article on the evacuation here
After the reason for the alarm sounding was investigated, it is now understood that a fire had started in a fridge-freezer inside the Marks & Spencer store.
Mark Barber, Assistant Chief Fire Officer, said: “Our Watford, Garston and Rickmansworth crews were sent to reports of a fire at Marks and Spencer in High Street, Watford, early this afternoon.
"Fortunately the fire, in a fridge freezer, was out by the time firefighters arrived, and nobody as seriously hurt, although three people were treated by the ambulance service for smoke inhalation.”
Atria Watford has been contacted for an update. More to follow.
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