Man treated for smoke inhalation in Ellesmere pub blaze
A man was treated for smoke inhalation today after a fire ripped through an Ellesmere pub kitchen causing “significant” damage.
The Red Lion in Ellesmere is expected to be closed for at least the next week after the fire broke out in the kitchen, spreading to the first floor.
Today fire chiefs said the damage could have been a lot worse but for their quick action and an investigation into the cause has been launched.
Eight fire crews from across the county attended the fire when it broke out at about 9.10am, with it taking an hour to be brought under control.
Police, ambulances and the air ambulance attended, although the helicopter was not needed and was sent back to base.
Crowds gathered near the pub to discover what had happened with the A495 closed for two hours.
Shropshire Fire and Rescue Service incident commander Scott Bishop said there was significant damage caused to the kitchen, and the fire had also spread to the floor above.
He said: “When the crews arrived the fire was serious and had spread to the floor above due to the heat.
“But the crews worked had to bring things under control and now an investigation is taking place.
“Crews were here from Oswestry, Wem and Ellesmere, and the landlord was treated for smoke inhalation and checked over by paramedics but seemed to be okay.
“It could have been a lot worse than it was but the crews did a great job.”
It is believed the pub will be closed for the rest of the week as repair work takes place.
