Why was Eldon Square evacuated as fire service reveals cause
A busy Newcastle city centre shopping centre was partially evacuated after reports of smoke.
Firefighters were called to Eldon Square shopping centre in at around 10am on Wednesday after a fire alarm was activated. Dozens of shoppers and staff could be seen in Old Eldon Square as part of the building was evacuated.
Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service (TWFRS) said they had received reports of smoke but after investigating the building, the source was found to be steam emitting from a ruptured boiler.
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A TWFRS spokesperson said: “We can confirm that earlier this morning (Wednesday 22nd January) three appliances attended a retail premises in Newcastle City Centre.
“An emergency call was received by our Control Room at 10.04am reporting smoke, and crews from Newcastle Central and Byker Community Fire Stations were deployed to the scene.
“After investigating the building, firefighters discovered the source was steam being emitted from a ruptured boiler.
"The incident has been classed as a false alarm. Crews left the scene at 10.36am."
An Eldon Square spokesperson commented: “Earlier today, Eldon Square was briefly evacuated. We are pleased to confirm that the issue was promptly resolved and the centre has reopened as normal.
"The safety of our visitors and staff is always our top priority, and we appreciate everyone's patience and cooperation during the evacuation. The emergency services attended as a precaution and we would like to thank them for their prompt response.”