The huge fire which raged through Wilmslow Garden Centre this morning is now under control but has caused extensive damage.
Fire crews were called to the Garden Centre on Manchester Road shortly after 5.30am where they discovered the serious fire which 15 fire engines attended.
Area Manager, Philip Hales, told me "There are small pockets of fire still burning which we are continuing to control but the structure is unsafe.
"We have set up an hydraulic platform to squirt water through the roof on to the hotspots, it is not safe for crews to enter the buildings as they are in danger of collapsing.
"Four large greenhouses, measuring 40 x 20 metres, are completely burnt out and we are liaising with the owners on site in regard to getting it back in to operation.
"We are also working closely with the Environment Agency to limit water running off the site. We have an Environment Unit here that are blocking drains and making dams to block the water off.
"We don't know the cause as yet, the Fire Investigation Officer was at the scene early on and there will be a thorough investigation.
"No-one was on site, we knew very early on that nobody was in the building and none of the neighbouring properties have been effected."
Bob Hewitt, the Chief Executive of Klondyke Garden Centres who own the property said, "Although the extent of the damage is not yet known, we are pleased this did not happen during trading hours and that no one has been hurt."
Five operational fire engines remain at the scene to tend the blaze.
Manchester Road, which was closed in both directions at its junction with B5358 Station Road, and also at its junction with Stanneylands Road/Dean Row Road, was being cleared whilst I was at the scene (about 9.45am) and should be opening shortly.
UPDATE 14:50: Following information received.
Cheshire Fire & Rescue Service have confirmed that a number of small animals and fish, which were in a pet centre within the premises, have died.
Station Manager, Ian West, who was at the incident said "This fire spread extremely quickly and with great ferocity, which made it impossible for firefighters to access that pet centre and rescue the animals.
"We believe that they were probably overcome by the fumes of the blaze early on, possibly even before we were called to the scene."
Four rabbits, two hamsters, six budgerigars and a large quantity of fish are believed to have died. 50 tropical fish and 70 Koi Carp have survived the incident and are currently being transferred to another location.
UPDATE 18:29: Added interior photo to slideshow.
Comments
Here's what readers have had to say so far. Why not add your thoughts below.
Please tell me there were not many animals in there that have perished.
From a saddened visitor.
From an upset person
Let's hope all is up and running again very soon.
I want to thank all our customers that have been ringing today expressing their concern.
The outdoor concessions The Hot Tubs, The Rainbow Play equipment and The Solar Centre were far enough away not to be damaged by the fire. However we do not know if or when there will be access to us for our customers.
Please feel free to contact us on 01625 525678 or 07976830863 if you require help or assistance
It was only last December that I returned to work for the Centre after being away for few years, and it was a great feeling to be back in a job and a place I enjoyed working so much, then when arriving at Manchester Road this morning and seeing the place devastated like that made me feel sick, all of our hard work and time gone up in smoke in the blink of an eye.
But I know one thing, myself and the rest of the staff will be back to bring the Centre back to its former glory. Thanks to everyone for their messages of support, it was a place loved by many and I promise it will be once again.
All our thoughts and prayers are with the manager and his wonderful team, and to Paul and Doug. It's too sad for words.