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Three flats uninhabitable after electrical fire

Saffron Walden Fire Station A firefighter entering the doorway of a property in Market Place, Saffron Walden, holding a hose, and wearing full breathing apparatus. There is a park bench to the right, two historic looking properties either side of the entrance. Saffron Walden Fire Station
Crews were called to Market Place, Saffron Walden, at about midday on Thursday

Three flats have been left uninhabitable after a fire in an electrical cupboard.

Essex County Fire and Rescue Service said crews attended the blaze in Market Place, Saffron Walden, at about 11:47 GMT on Thursday, after receiving multiple 999 calls.

It was under control after 45 minutes, involved an "electrical installation" and an investigation into its cause had started, it added.

The building suffered extensive smoke and fire damage and businesses were left without electricity due to a power outage caused by the fire.

Julie Morton Smoke coming from a building in Saffron Walden, there are a large number of people in nearby streets looking at the fire and you can see fire engines in the distance. You can see a number of buildings and street signs. Julie Morton
Businesses in the area lost power for a while

The fire service said bar staff acted quickly to evacuate the premises.

"The fire, which involved an electrical installation, made initial firefighting efforts challenging," it added.

Essex County Fire & Rescue Service A fire in an electrical installation. There are wires, casing and fire damaged equipment, that has been kept in a box. Essex County Fire & Rescue Service
Crews believed the blaze started in a cupboard

Kevin Jenner, station manager, said: "The building has suffered extensive smoke and fire damage, leaving three residential flats uninhabitable.

"Businesses in the area were also impacted due to a power outage caused by the fire.

"Crews worked alongside UK Power Networks to make the area safe and ensure the fire was fully extinguished."

Saffron Walden Fire Station A large number of firefighters standing outside Market Place, Saffron Walden. You can see a white building, including Costa Coffee, park benches, a paved area, a Christmas tree to the left, Christmas decorations handing from buildings and a fire engine to the left. Saffron Walden Fire Station
Fire crews from Saffron Walden, Newport and Stansted, and the Hazardous Area Response Team, attended the scene
Saffron Walden Fire Station An Essex police car, two ambulances, fire engines in Market Place, Saffron Walden. The area has been cordoned off and a number of people are standing by it. You can see historic brick buildings surrounding the area.Saffron Walden Fire Station
Six firefighters used breathing apparatus to put out the fire

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