Bedfordshire Fire and Rescue Service tackle fire and explosion at Redwood Grove in Bedford this morning

Bedfordshire Fire and Rescue Service were called out this morning to a fire and explosion on Redwood Grove in Bedford. Resulting in a major fire in a three-storey block of flats. 

 There were six fire engines at the scene, two aerial platforms, an incident command support unit, operation support and a drone to tackle the fire and rescue anyone from the building.

 Two people were taken to hospital, one with serious injuries, who has been taken to Addenbrooke’s. Residents of Redwood Grove are directed to John Bunyan Centre in Bedford, where an Emergency Assistance Centre has been set up to provide support to those impacted.

 Deputy Chief Fire Officer, Chris Bigland said “The service was called this morning soon after 9:10am, where our fire appliances were immediately despatched to the scene, arriving to Redwood Grove in six minutes. Our crews worked tirelessly to extinguish the fire, evacuate residents from the building and search for casualties.

 An investigation is ongoing to conclude the cause of the fire, and Bedfordshire Fire and Rescue Service will continue to remain at the scene working alongside Bedfordshire Police, partners and agencies.

 Chief Superintendent John Murphy, leading the response for Bedfordshire Police, said: “We understand that this is a very distressing and upsetting incident and we would like to thank everyone for their patience and support whilst work at the scene continues.

 “Sadly, there is a possibility that more fatalities will be discovered as the detailed searches continue.

 “We are working to get people back into their homes as quickly as we can but would encourage people to head to The John Bunyan Centre if they need help and support.

 “Everything we and our partners are doing is to keep people safe, establish the exact circumstances behind what caused this tragedy, as well as ensuring the dignity of those died is preserved and respected.”

 An East of England Ambulance Service spokesperson said “We were called at 9.33am today to a significant fire at a block of flats in Redwood Grove, Bedford. Three ambulances, the Hazardous Area Response Team, a tactical commander, three operations managers and the Magpas Air Ambulance were sent to the scene. One person was airlifted to Addenbrooke’s Hospital for treatment for leg injuries, while two people, one of whom was a firefighter, were conveyed to Bedford South Wing Hospital with smoke inhalation."