Fire crews from across Powys and Shropshire spent all night tackling a huge blaze in a border industrial building that was started in a biomass boiler.

The fire saw eight fire crews from Shropshire and more from mid Wales dashing to SJ Roberts’ industrial unit in Lower Marton, on the Welsh-English border at Marton near Welshpool.

Both Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service and Shropshire Fire and Rescue crews were required to tackle the blaze, which began in a biomass boiler and spread into the building. The crew from Montgomery reached the scene first to be met with flames emanating from the building.

A spokesperson for Montgomery Fire station said: “03P1 mobilised this evening to assist Shropshire Fire and Rescue at a commercial property fire near Chirbury.

“As the first appliance in attendance we were faced with a biomass boiler fully alight and spreading.

“Numerous appliances attended from Shropshire Fire and Rescue and Mid and West Wales Fire Rescue Service.”

According to Shropshire Fire and Rescue Service, it took several hours to get the fire under control with crews being called from as far away as Telford.  

A spokesperson for Shropshire Fire and Rescue Service said: “At 18:29 on Wednesday, March 6, 2024, Shropshire Fire and Rescue Service Fire Control received a call reporting a fire classified as Property Fire in Marton.

“Six fire appliances including the Aerial Ladder Platform, the Incident Command Unit and the Water Carrier were mobilised from Bishops Castle, Clun, Minsterley, Oswestry, Shrewsbury and Telford. Operations, Safety and Principal officers were in attendance.

READ MORE: Multiple fire crews sent to blaze at business near Welshpool

READ MORE: Eight Shropshire fire crews attend Powys border business

“One industrial storage unit measuring approximately 85 metres x 26 metres. Fire involving biomass boiler which had spread to building. 14 breathing apparatus, six main jets, four hose reel jets and light portable pump from open water source used to extinguish fire.

"Assistance also received from Mid and West Wales Fire Service.”

County Times: The fire at SJ Roberts Construction.

It is unclear what affect this will have for SJ Roberts Construction who owned the building and employ a large amount of people in the area.

The company are well known either side of the border and have built a number of projects including primary schools, housing projects and industrial units such as Bishops Castle Business Park.

The company also have long standing relationships with firms such as PGL Travel Ltd and the Wynnstay Group Plc  and have been supporters of local charities such as Lingne Davies and Ponthafren.