Video footage shows firefighters on scene as huge blaze destroys buildings at old North Wing Hospital site in Bedford
Crews were called just after 6pm to find the blaze had already taken hold and had spread to one of the old buildings which housed the old out patients, maternity wing, which closed in the 90s, and the old chapel.
Firefighters used specialist equipment and a hydraulic ladders to reach the flames but the fire quickly spread to the roof.
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The main building was disused and boarded up but there were fears the fire would spread to an adjoining building which serves as a clinic.
There are no reports of injuries.
NHS staff were also at the scene awaiting instructions on whether the nearby Archer Unit at the rear of Bedford Rugby Club would need to be evacuated.
The Unit houses elderly geriatric patients.
A fire service photographer said ‘it was bad one’ and that they knew it had taken hold inside the building and would destroy the roof but that they had plenty of resources at the scene.
Kimbolton Road was cordoned off but smoke and flames could be seen for several miles.
It’s believed the building had been used by squatters for some time.
The incident is ongoing.