A massive fire erupted at The Hippodrome pub in Market Drayton, Shropshire, prompting drinkers and diners to evacuate the premises. Approximately 50 firefighters responded to the blaze, which originated from an open fire in the historic building that was once the town’s first purpose-built cinema dating back to 1927.
Eight fire crews arrived at the scene after reports came in around 1 pm. Customers at the pub, including John Kirby from Wolverhampton, noticed smoke near the fire pit and quickly moved away as a safety precaution. The fire alarm sounded, leading to a swift evacuation of the establishment.
Shropshire Fire and Rescue Service’s Station Manager Craig Jackson confirmed that everyone was safely evacuated, and efforts were made to control the fire. Firefighters wearing breathing apparatus used hosereel jets to combat the flames, closing off nearby roads until the fire was extinguished by 3:30 pm.
Following an investigation, authorities determined the fire was accidental, caused by hot embers from the open fire falling through a defect in the fireplace, igniting the wooden floor and supporting timbers. Fortunately, there were no casualties reported.
The management and staff of The Hippodrome were praised for their quick and professional response in evacuating the premises. A JD Wetherspoon spokesperson mentioned that the fire originated from the pub’s open fire, with cleanup and repair efforts underway to ensure the safety of the building before reopening.
The incident, which caused damage to the floor, walls, and ceiling, did not spread beyond the pub’s immediate vicinity. Updates on the reopening of The Hippodrome are expected once the necessary checks and repairs are completed.
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