A blaze that ripped through a pet shop earlier this month causing extensive damage has been deemed accidental by investigators.
The blaze broke out at the 1st 4 Pets shop, in Bath Street, Ilkeston, Derbyshire just before 5pm on Saturday, October 9.
Incident commander Steve Ratcliffe said there were no pets inside during the fire and that the business owner and his family had tried – without success – to put the blaze out. Two people were treated for the effects of smoke inhalation.
A spokesperson for Derbyshire Fire and Rescue told Derbyshire Live: “The fire investigation into this incident has concluded the most likely cause to be accidental due to a naked flame coming into contact with combustible material.”
A statement from the pet shop on Facebook read: “Everyone is safe, luckily no animals were in the shop.
“Thank you for all offers of help we will try to get back to everyone but for now everyone is safe and that’s what is important.”
