Quilted Camel Fire: Firefighters praised for ‘professionalism’ at major city centre blaze

Newcastle firefighters have been praised for their professionalism when tackling a major city centre fire last week.

The Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service was called to a blaze at the Grade II-listed Quilted Camel at 4:42 pm on Wednesday, March 2.

Crew were at the scene in a matter of minutes.

At the height of the fire, almost 40 firefighters from around the service area were helping battle the blaze.

A number of surrounding buildings had to be evacuated for safety precautions and one member of the public was treated for a minor injury at the scene having attempted to extinguish the fire themselves.

Deputy Chief Fire Officer Peter Heath, said: “I want to thank our firefighters and fire control for their quick response to this incident.

“Their professionalism and fast action has helped save a building of historical importance.

“We had to use a number of different techniques to navigate around the building due to the lack of visibility and the building layout.

“I also want to thank our blue light colleagues for their support and response to the incident yesterday, as always we work together to keep our communities safe from harm.”

TWFRS crews left the scene just after 9:20 pm on Wednesday evening and an investigation into the fire alongside Northumbria Police began on Thursday.

Anyone with information about the fire is being asked to contact the police via the ‘Tell Us Something’ page of their website or by calling 101 quoting reference number NP-20220302-0695.

Alternatively, you can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.