• 

• News
• Local News
• Peterborough

More than 100 flats have been left without water after a fire caused a water tank to “explode”. Cambridgeshire Fire and Rescue were called to a fire involving a bin store in Vicarage Farm Road, Peterborough just before 10am on Saturday (July 18).

A fire spokesperson said: “At 9.55am on Saturday, a crew from the Peterborough Volunteer Fire Brigade was called to a fire on Vicarage Farm Road in Peterborough.

“Firefighters arrived to find a fire involving a bin store. Wearing breathing apparatus they extinguished the fire using hose reels and returned to their station by 11.30am. Crews made regular inspections throughout the day to ensure the area was safe.”

Content cannot be displayed without consent

Councillor Shabina Qayyum, leader of Peterborough City Council, visited the scene and confirmed that 112 flats were left without water. This is due to a water tank catching fire and exploding as a result of the bin fire, she said.

In a video on her Instagram, Cllr Qayyum said: “We were alerted to a fire that engulfed a refuse area, which resulted in a water tank setting fire and exploding, causing a cut off to the water supply of 112 flats.

"Both Cllr Numan Ali Iqbal and myself have been on site with officers and coordinated responses from the council who have instigated the emergency planning team.”

Cllr Qayyum went on to thank Anglian Water for its response.

On the Anglian Water website, a spokesperson said it was “sorry” for customers experiencing “no water or low pressure” at Varity House in Vicarage Farm Road. The spokesperson added: “This has been caused by a fire which has damaged a private water tank and pumps within the building.

“As this is a private issue and not the responsibility of Anglian Water, residents are advised to get in touch with their building maintenance or landlord for further support and advice.”