Evacuated residents return home after fire at former Wellingborough snooker hall

Everyone who was evacuated after a fire tore through a former snooker hall has now returned to their home after the remaining structure was demolished.

Seven fire appliances were deployed to the old Embassy snooker club in Chequers Lane in Wellingborough after the massive blaze started at about 9pm on Sunday (August 2).

Police have already said they are treating the incident as arson and Wellingborough Council had to help two households with temporary accommodation because what was left of the abandoned building was deemed unsafe and had to be demolished.

And following continuous work since Sunday night the remains of the snooker hall have been pulled down meaning everyone evacuated is now home.

Specialist investigators from Northamptonshire Fire and Rescue and Northamptonshire Police continue to work at the site to determine the cause of the fire.

Fire service station commander for Wellingborough, Scott Hirons, said: “We would like to thank the people of Wellingborough for their patience and co-operation as we continue to work at the site.

“The building control and demolition teams from Wellingborough Council have done an outstanding job in quickly housing people, removing the dangerous structure so quickly and getting everyone back into their homes.

“This has been a great example of the emergency services working hand in hand with the local council to resolve a difficult incident and minimise the disruption to residents.

“I would continue to advise people to avoid the area as a number of cordons are still in place.”

Huge flames could be seen across the town with smoke visible in Finedon. The video above by Jamie Lewis shows the flames behind Matalan.

Anyone with information about the fire should call police on 101.

Message from the editor:

Thank you for reading this story on our website. While I have your attention, I also have an important request to make of you.

In order for us to continue to provide trusted local news on this free-to-read site, I am asking you to also please purchase a copy of our newspaper.

Our journalists are highly trained and our content is independently regulated by IPSO to some of the highest standards in the world. The dramatic events of 2020 are having a major impact on many of our local valued advertisers and consequently the advertising that we receive.

We are now more reliant than ever on you helping us to provide you with news by buying a copy of our newspaper.

Thank you