December 21, 2015 9.18 pm This story is over 99 months old

Crews put out fire at shop and flats in Lincoln

Fire tackled by 50 firefighters: Crews have put out a fire at a shop and flats on De Wint Avenue in Lincoln after residents heard a loud explosion this evening.
The scene of the fire on De Wint Avenue in Lincoln. Photos: Eyewitnesses Jordan Challis, Sam Seaman and Jacob Robson for The Lincolnite

Firefighters have put out a fire at a property on De Wint Avenue in Lincoln after residents heard an explosion this evening.

Update: Police have now confirmed one person has died in the fire at a downstairs ‘magic’ shop and upstairs flats.

As previously reported in The Lincolnite, residents said they head a loud explosion at the property on De Wint Avenue in Lincoln after 4pm. Soon after, flames engulfed the building.

Photo: Jacob Robson

Photo: Eyewitness Jacob Robson for The Lincolnite

Lincolnshire Fire and Rescue and Lincolnshire Police were alerted at around 4.30pm, with several appliances scrambled to put out the blaze at the former Co-op building.

Roads in the surrounding areas were closed and residents told to stay inside for safety. De Wint Avenue will remain closed tonight as officers are carrying out door to door enquiries in the area.

Over 50 firefighters from eight crews worked to put out the fire, which affected the shop premises at the ground floor of the building, as well as the flat upstairs.

The blaze on De Wint Avenue in Lincoln. Photo: Jordan Challis

The blaze on De Wint Avenue in Lincoln. Photo: Eyewitness Jordan Challis for The Lincolnite

Dave Gilbert, incident commander for Lincolnshire Fire and Rescue, said:  “The fire was initially fierce but has now been brought under control by the 50 firefighters at the scene.

“Crews will be in attendance for some hours to make the premises safe.

“While the risk to health is low, there is still smoke in the area and local residents are advised to keep their windows and doors closed until further notice.”

The cause of the fire has not yet been identified.

The fire at the former Co-op building on De Wint Avenue started at around 4.30pm. Photo: Sam Seaman

The fire at the former Co-op building on De Wint Avenue started at around 4.30pm. Photo: Eyewitness Sam Seaman for The Lincolnite

— This is a developing story. Follow The Lincolnite on Twitter and Facebook for updates.

By 7pm, the fire was put out by a team of some 50 firefighters. Photo: Eyewitness Jacob Robson for The Lincolnite

By 7pm, the fire was put out by a team of some 50 firefighters. Photo: Eyewitness Jacob Robson for The Lincolnite

Were you affected or know someone who was involved the incident this evening? Contact the news team on [email protected].