Fire at RAF Cosford accommodation block

More than 50 people fled an accommodation block at RAF Cosford after a fire broke out in the early hours of today.

The blaze started in a ground floor room used by trainees for drying kit at the air base near Albrighton at about 2am and it forced the building to be evacuated.

Trainees and guests staying over after the air show at the Shropshire base were awoken by a fire alarm.

Sixteen firefighters from Telford, Albrighton and Wellington raced to the scene and Peter Hawkins, watch manager at Telford Fire Station, said the fire was caused by a suspected electrical fault.

He said: "Four firefighters went into the building using breathing apparatus and jets.

"Once the fire was extinguished, ventilation was used to clear the smoke.

"Everyone had left the building prior to the arrival of the fire service and there were no injuries."

Mr Hawkins added the fire was "nowhere near" aeroplanes and trainees and guests were allowed back in after 45 minutes.

"There was damage to the room and smoke damage elsewhere on the ground floor and stairwell," he added.

Fire investigators will now carry out a full inspection of the site.

Graham Lee, squadron leader at RAF Cosford, said they were awaiting a fire officer's report.