Huge fire breaks out in Reading town centre

A huge fire has broken out in a busy UK town centre, with smoke seen for miles.

Firefighters have scrambled to a tower block near Reading station this morning (Thursday, November 23) at the former Forster Wheeler building.

Dramatic pictures and videos show the thick cloud of black smoke billowing from the building leaving bystanders shocked.

One witness said: “This looks like quite a serious fire next to Reading Station at the former Foster Wheeler building.”

Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service said on X: “We are currently attending an incident on Napier Road, Reading. Please avoid the area to allow emergency services clear access to the scene. If you live in the surrounding area, please keep windows closed and stay indoors. Further updates will be provided shortly.”

Berkshire Live reporter, Richard Lemmer, who is live on the scene, said: “The fire appears to be under control or extinguished but hundreds of construction workers remain outside of the Station Hill development site in central Reading, as the situation is ‘under review’ according to one builder.”

Nearby construction workers videoing the inferno could be heard shouting “f****** hell” before being told to “get off site”.

In a seperate video, the workers in high-vis could be heard applauding as someone was airlifted from the raging fire.

We are supporting @RBFRSofficial & @TVP_Reading at a major fire in central Reading. Please avoid the area whilst the emergency services respond to the incident.

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