Cause of Kettering shop fire still under investigation

How a fire that tore through a Kettering shop started is still not known one week on.
The scene this morning (Wednesday). NNL-190515-124809005The scene this morning (Wednesday). NNL-190515-124809005
The scene this morning (Wednesday). NNL-190515-124809005

The listed three-storey Kettering Bedding Centre unit in Regent Street was destroyed by a blaze at about 12.30pm on May 13.

Fears over the safety of the structure mean a section of the street is still cordoned off with some families unable to return home.

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Kettering shop gutted by fire
The scene this morning (Wednesday). NNL-190515-124809005The scene this morning (Wednesday). NNL-190515-124809005
The scene this morning (Wednesday). NNL-190515-124809005
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This morning (May 21) a fire and rescue spokesman said the fire was still being investigated with no cause confirmed.

Some of the families evacuated from nearby properties were left without clothes and utensils.

On Friday (May 17) Kettering Council said the building may have had materials containing asbestos inside.

Large Fire: Kettering: Kettering Bedding Centre, fire at business in Regent Street, Kettering. 
Fire and Police on scene
Monday, May 13th 2019 NNL-190513-153719009Large Fire: Kettering: Kettering Bedding Centre, fire at business in Regent Street, Kettering. 
Fire and Police on scene
Monday, May 13th 2019 NNL-190513-153719009
Large Fire: Kettering: Kettering Bedding Centre, fire at business in Regent Street, Kettering. Fire and Police on scene Monday, May 13th 2019 NNL-190513-153719009
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They provided advice for anyone near ash and debris but said the health risk was low.

Just the shell of the furniture store remains with the unit in the hands of Kettering Council engineers who are looking to make it structurally safe.

Kettering Bedding Centre, part of F.L.Caswell, had run a business there since the late 1960s.

Two roads closed and residents evacuated following fire at Kettering Bedding Centre building.,
Regent Street, Kettering
Monday 13 May 2019. 
Picture by Terry Harris. NNL-190514-101116005Two roads closed and residents evacuated following fire at Kettering Bedding Centre building.,
Regent Street, Kettering
Monday 13 May 2019. 
Picture by Terry Harris. NNL-190514-101116005
Two roads closed and residents evacuated following fire at Kettering Bedding Centre building., Regent Street, Kettering Monday 13 May 2019. Picture by Terry Harris. NNL-190514-101116005

The owners thanked the community for their support and said they hope to bounce back.

A shop statement said: “Our plan is to open a temporary shop as soon as possible and look to rebuild the bedding centre over time.”

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