Skip to content

Properties evacuated after bathroom showroom blaze

Neve Gordon-Farleighand
George King
News imageStephen Huntley/BBC Two firefighters on an aerial platform spraying water over the what is left of the roof of a building. Only the blackened frame of the roof remains and smoke is rising from it. There is an industrial building to the left. Stephen Huntley/BBC
Emergency services were called to the showroom at the northern end of Selbourne Road

A major incident was declared as fire crews tackled a major blaze at a bathroom showroom.

Bedfordshire Fire Service said 10 engines, three aerial platforms, two water carriers and an incident command unit were sent to the Kitchen and Bathroom Store on Selbourne Road in Luton at about 06:00 BST on Saturday.

Properties on Wingate Road were evacuated and people in the surrounding area were asked to keep their windows and doors closed due to the smoke.

By 11:50, the major incident had been stood down and the service had said it would begin to scale down its presence having extinguished the blaze. An investigation will be carried out to determine the cause.

News imageBedfordshire Fire and Rescue Service A fire appliance is parked at the scene of a bathroom showroom fire. An aerial ladder is being used to tackle the blaze which a firefighter is on, however, it is hard to see them among a dark plume of smoke.Bedfordshire Fire and Rescue Service
Bedfordshire Fire and Rescue Service said it expected to remain at the scene for the rest of Saturday
News imageStephen Huntley/BBC The back of a fire engine parked by the side of the road. It is parked by an industrial site and there is smoke in the air coming off from one of the buildings which is on fire.Stephen Huntley/BBC
The service said a fire investigation would be carried out once it was safe to do so and the blaze had been extinguished

After arriving at the scene, firefighters were confronted by an "extremely well developed" fire which was spreading rapidly.

Resources from Buckinghamshire and Hertfordshire fire services, as well as Bedfordshire Police, were also called to help.

Selbourne Road was partly closed in both directions, which affected the junctions with Arundel Road, Maidenhall Road and Wingate Road.

As a result of the fire, some people in the area were warned they may experience low to no water pressure and advised to avoid using electrical appliances that use water including washing machines and dishwashers.

Affinity Water said it was aware of the fire and sent a technician to the site to assist the fire service.

News imageLiz Obrien A dark plume of smoke coming from a commercial building in Luton. The smoke is billowing into the air.Liz Obrien
A number of roads were closed around the Selbourne Road area and Affinity Water warned of an interruption to supply for customers

Crews surrounded the fire and used water jets to tackle and contain the blaze, working "incredibly hard under challenging circumstances" to extinguish it.

One firefighter suffered a minor injury before being treated and was able to remain at the scene.

Jason Tai, assistant chief fire officer, said: "This has been an excellent multi-agency response to a dynamic incident.

"We thank all of our partners for their support, particularly our neighbouring fire services who provided resources during this busy period for the fire service nationally.

"A full fire investigation will take place to determine the cause."

Do you have a story suggestion for Beds, Herts or Bucks? Contact us below.

Follow Beds, Herts and Bucks news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X.

More stories from Bedfordshire, Hertfordshire and Buckinghamshire
Related internet links