Fire causes chaos to Hereford City Centre

A fire, believed to have started in the Card Factory Shop in Hereford City Centre, caused major damage to several historic buildings and also severe disruption to residents and businesses as it ripped through the High Town area of the city.

More than 100 fire fighters, 20 fire engines, police and ambulence services attended to the inferno with demolition of the building due to start today.  Buildings containing Ann Summers, River Island and Phones 4u were also damaged in the fire and will require remedial works.

The Card Factory shop was not fitted with a Fire Sprinkler System which could have contained the fire at source and prevented such damage and disruption occurring.