Firefighters battle blaze in Melton Mowbray town centre
Firefighters have been battling a major blaze at a takeaway restaurant in Melton Mowbray town centre this morning (Monday).
Crews from the Melton Mowbray and Oakham fire stations were deployed to the incident at Ma’s Cottage Chinese eaterie in Burton Street shortly before 9.30am.
Thick black smoke has been billowing around the property and adjacent buildings and Burton Street remains closed to traffic while emergency services are dealing with the aftermath.
Eye-witnesses praised the rapid response from the fire service, in attending in quick time and dousing the flames swiftly.
East Midlands Ambulance Service (EMAS) also attended the scene and three people were treated for smoke inhalation.
The fire also caused smoke damage to a residential property immediately above the takeaway.
Sara Wilson-Wright, who work at the Newton Fallowell estate agents opposite, told the Melton Times ‘it was awful – the street went black’.
She added: “It was very frightening – the fire service were phenomenal and super quick.
"There was smoke in our office, it happened so quickly.
"We feel so sorry for the lovely owners.
"A lady was trying to get to the door but I kept her away until help arrived.
"My concern was keeping her safe.”
Fire investigators will determine the cause of the blaze
Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service posted on its Facebook page: “This is an ongoing incident, please could members of the public avoid the area.”
The incident led to long traffic tailbacks around the town centre with vehicles unable to use Burton Street.