TWELVE people had to be evacuated from homes on Sunday when a blaze at an Ely fish shop threatened flats above. Fire-fighters found thick black smoke billowing out of the windows of the Ely Fish Bar in St Mary s Street after hot oil in the deep fat fryer

TWELVE people had to be evacuated from homes on Sunday when a blaze at an Ely fish shop threatened flats above.

Fire-fighters found thick black smoke billowing out of the windows of the Ely Fish Bar in St Mary's Street after hot oil in the deep fat fryer caught fire at lunchtime.

They feared flames would spread to the homes above and decided to evacuate the buildings while they tackled the blaze using breathing apparatus.

Ady Slack, Ely Fire Station manager said: "The fire itself was very intense and it was very difficult to see because of the smoke.

"We had been told people were still in the shop, so we immediately sent in fire-fighters to conduct a thorough search. While this was going on we made the decision to evacuate the flats above.

"We quickly ascertained that no-one was inside the shop itself and we were able to extinguish the blaze without it spreading.

"We would like to thank the residents living above for their co-operation."

The fire broke out at around 12.30pm and it is believed it was caused by oil in the fryer overheating.

Station manager Slack said: "We would like to remind those cooking with oils or fats that water should never be used if a fire starts.

"This will cause the fire to spread, creating a heat build up and potentially, a massive fireball, causing extensive damage.