ROYAL Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service is warning people who live or work near a major incident in Friar Street to keep their windows and doors closed.
And they have reiterated their call for people to stay away from Reading town centre if they can.
At just after 2.10pm today, crews were called to a fire on the second floor of the building housing the CMart Oriental store.
To help them tackle the major blaze, they have closed Friar Street and Smelly Alley (Union Street).
Buses and other public transport are being diverted, with Reading Buses reporting delays of up to 25 minutes across its network and different vehicles being pressed into action as a result.
Major incident in Friar Street affecting most of our routes in Reading, delays of up to 25 mins. There are some short notice cancellations.
— Reading Buses (@reading_buses) May 26, 2023
It is not yet known what caused the blaze, or how much of the site is affected.
READ MORE: Cmart blaze in pictures
Crews from Caversham Road, Wokingham Road, Whitley Wood, Theale, Wokingham, Crowthorne and Bracknell fire stations are on the scene, and have been seen scaling ladders and using an Aerial Ladder Platform to try and bring the fire under control.
In an update issued at 4.40pm, they said: “We currently remain on the scene at a fire on Friar Street, Reading. Please continue to avoid the area if possible, to allow emergency services clear access to the scene and if you are using public transport in the area, please find an alternative route.
“As a precaution, we are advising residents and businesses to keep windows and doors shut if you live or work in the immediate area affected.
“Emergency services are likely to remain on the scene for some time. Thank you for your ongoing patience and cooperation.”
