A fire crew is still on the scene after a massive blaze in a West Cumbrian village.
Initially, 10 fire engines were called to the blaze on Main Street, which had affected the Budgens store and a home behind it, at 6.55am yesterday, Thursday August 15.
Firefighters from stations including Bootle, Frizington, Egremont, Whitehaven, Workington, Aspatria, Windermere, Coniston and Millom tackled the blaze for several hours.
Cumbria Fire and Rescue Service also deployed an aerial ladder platform from Barrow, joint incident command unit from Workington, a welfare unit from Staveley, a water bowser from Maryport and a water bowser from Sellafield fire and rescue also attended.
Crews scaled back the response at around 5.15pm and monitored the site overnight.
There is still a fire engine at the scene.
It is hoped the road will be reopened later on today, Friday August 16.
Cumbria Fire and Rescue Service said: “There is a multi-agency inspection this afternoon, after which the building will be secured and it is hoped that Cumberland Council can reopen the road once this has been completed.”
The fire service has thanked its teams for their work and the community for their support during the incident.
It said: “We’d like to publicly thank all our teams who have worked incredibly hard over the past 24 hours-plus in response to the extremely challenging building fire on Gosforth Main Street.
“We also extend our sincere thanks to the local community for your kindness and co-operation, and we will continue to be here to support you in these difficult times.”
It said the affected area has now been cordoned off.
Area Manager Lauren Woodward said: “Crews worked tirelessly to tackle a well-developed fire in a commercial premise with domestic dwellings above and surrounding.
“Crews engaged with local residents to provide reassurance and worked to limit the disruption to the village. I would like to thank all those who responded and worked to contain and tackle the fire.
“I would also like to thank the local community who supported Cumbria Fire and Rescue Service with welfare provisions, and the employers and families of our on-call crews who were engaged in this incident for a number of hours.”
Bootle Fire Station said: “On route, it was reported that people were still in the building. On arrival, all people were accounted for and were safe and well outside. The building was well alight.
“Due to the intense fire spread during the incident which eventually burnt through into the rear properties causing roof collapses, appliances from around the county were mobilised to the incident.”
An online fundraiser was launched for the two families affected by the fire. It had a £10,000 target and within hours had raised thousands of pounds. The total currently stands at £14,764.
