A fire has broken out overnight at an accommodation block in Catterick Garrison, the UK's largest military barracks, with crews expected to battle the blaze throughout the night.
Crews were called on Thursday evening, September 24, to the fire at the Gaza Barracks Accommodation building in Catterick Garrison. Reports suggest the blaze can be seen for miles away, with smoke visible from a distance.
Largest British Army garrison
Catterick Garrison, located near the town of Richmond, North Yorkshire, is the largest British Army garrison in the world. As of 2021, the barracks had a population of around 14,000 and covered over 2,400 acres.
A spokesperson for North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue said: "North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service have multiple appliances in attendance an accommodation block fire."
Emergency response ongoing
The spokesperson added: "An appliance from County Durham and Darlington along with their Ariel Ladder Platform are also in attendance. This incident is expected to be ongoing throughout the night."
Hipswell and Colburn councillor Kevin Foster told the Northern Echo: "At this stage, details are limited, and I am awaiting further information."
"My immediate concern is for the safety and wellbeing of everyone at the camp, including our military personnel, their families and the emergency services responding to the incident."
"I would like to thank our emergency services for their response and hope that everyone involved is safe."
"As North Yorkshire Council's Armed Forces Champion, I will continue to monitor the situation and offer any support I can to our Armed Forces community."
"My thoughts are with everyone affected, and I hope to hear positive news as further details emerge."
