UPDATE: RBFRS is advising nearby residential buildings and businesses keep doors and windows closed while officers continue to respond to the incident on Friar Street.
A statement from RBFRS said: “As a precaution, we are advising residents and businesses to keep windows and doors shut if you live/ 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.”
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A FIRE has broken out in Reading town centre and fire crews are urging people to stay away from the area while they deal with it.
The area above the Cmart Oriental supermarket is ablaze and fire crews are currently attempting to extinguish it.
It is the second floor of the building that is on fire.
Crews from seven different fire stations have been scrambled to the scene – Caversham Road, Wokingham Road, Whitley Wood, Theale, Wokingham, Crowthorne and Bracknell.
In a bid to tackle the blaze, an Aerial Ladder Platform is being used.
As well as dousing the flames from Friar Street, crews have also been down Smelly Alley (Union Street) to reach the rear of the site.
The area cordoned off is a major bus route through Reading town centre, with many routes using it.
As a result of the closures, Reading Buses is warning that there are delays of up to 20 minutes across its network. Different buses are also being pressed into use, for example, the 3.09pm 15a from Tilehurst Triangle had to use a smaller vehicle than it usually does.
The closed stops are FH, FJ, FL, FM, FN and FP.
Delays of up to 20 minutes across all routes serving Reading town centre, due to the closure of Friar Street. Please use alternative stops
— Reading Buses (@reading_buses) May 26, 2023
Friar Street has been cordoned off to allow crews to work in safety Picture: Charlotte SimpsonA statement on Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service’s website said: “At 2.11pm on Friday, 26 May, we received a report of a fire on the second floor of a building in Friar Street, Reading.
“Fire crews are in attendance.
“We are urging people to avoid the area if possible to allow emergency services clear access to the scene.
“If you are using public transport in the area, please find an alternative route.”
