AROUND 60 firefighters fought to control a blaze at a laundry on a town industrial estate this morning (Monday, May 2).

The Paragon laundry near the Labels retail outlet went up in flames in Ross-on-Wye shortly before 2am.  

Twelve fire engines and two aerial ladders were used to fight the Overross Industrial Estate blaze after the call-out at 1.53am.

Ade Farmer, group commander at Hereford and Worcester Fire Service, said local firefighters from Ross and other county stations were joined by crews from South Wales.

Hereford & Worcester Fire and Rescue posted after 10am: “Overnight there has been a large factory fire at Overross Industrial Estate in Ross-on-Wye where 10 HWFRS fire appliances, plus two from South Wales FRS and two aerial ladder platforms have been fighting the fire. “Good progress has been made and now four appliances remain on scene damping down, with fire investigation officers working to establish the cause.”

Group Commander Farmer, who attended the incident as Hazmat Tactical Advisor,  posted: ”Great effort from all crews especially the first pumps from @HWFireRoss who established a sound Incident Command structure.”

Paragon owners Clean specialise in laundry services for the hospitality industry as well as linen and workwear rental, and reportedly employ more than 50 people.Earlier, the fire service advised people living nearby to close their doors and windows and avoid the area.

Fire investigation officers were still at the scene on Monday afternoon working to establish the cause of the blaze, Mr Farmer said.Residents reported seeing ash from the blaze in the town centre, Brampton and as far away as the Hope and Anchor pub at the riverside.

One woman posted: “It’s fallout from the fire at Paragon so please check your gardens before you let kids and dogs out.“I don’t think it’s likely to be dangerous but it will be very messy if played with. It looks like chunks of black polystyrene.”

Another added: “There’s loads in (the) swimming pool car park as well and under the bridge by the dual carriageway.”A third post said: “Landing in Sussex Avenue as well, near Pendeen surgery.”