Shoppers at Bluewater shopping center in Stone, Kent, had to evacuate today as emergency services rushed to the scene. Police and Firefighters cordoned off an area of the shopping center due to a suspected electrical fire.
Reports indicate that an electrical fire broke out at an EE store, prompting the evacuation of shoppers around 3 pm. After about an hour, shoppers were allowed to re-enter the premises, with the cordon still in place, spanning from Slim Chicken to Black Sheep Coffee on the upper level.
Kent police responded to reports of a fire in a business at the center around 3:45 pm. No injuries were reported, and shoppers were temporarily asked to leave the area before being permitted back inside. Witnesses observed emergency service vehicles parked outside the retail center.
Upon inspection, one visitor mentioned, “I saw firefighters exiting the EE store. It appears that there is not severe damage.” A Bluewater spokesperson informed the Mirror that a small section of the center was evacuated briefly as a precautionary measure due to smoke in one of the stores.
The situation, which was caused by a small smoking battery, was swiftly resolved by the center’s team and Kent Fire and Rescue. Apologies were extended to any guests whose visit was disrupted.
