Art firm assesses fire damage at headquarters

An art materials manufacturer is assessing the damage to its headquarters after a large fire broke out on Monday.

Homes were evacuated near the Daler-Rowney factory and main office in Bracknell, Berkshire, as the blaze took hold at about 15:00 BST, sending up a cloud of black smoke.

Bracknell Forest Council said residents, who spent the night away from home, could now return.

Daler-Rowney said the site was not operating when the fire broke out and no employees were present.

Dr Wael Elgonaid said he heard "unusual banging" sounds at the plant before being forced to leave his home in Butler Drive.

He said: "My neighbour started to knock on the door very violently [and said] 'careful there is a fire and very black smoke and it is very close'.

"Soon afterwards the police showed up and they told me to immediately evacuate."

Jennett's Park Community Centre said one evacuee spent the night there while other residents found accommodation with friends and family or at hotels.

Bracknell Forest Council said emergency services would remain on site until Wednesday or Thursday.

In a statement, it said: "Residents can now return home as the fire is under control and there is no longer a risk from the smoke.

"Some soot may have settled in the surrounding area following the incident. We want to reassure residents that we have taken scientific advice and this soot is not harmful."

However, the council advised residents not to remove fire debris from properties themselves, and to contact landlords instead.

It said police had forced entry to some properties where there was no response from occupants.

A Daler-Rowney spokesman said: "...a significant fire broke out at our manufacturing facility on Peacock Lane, Bracknell.

"We are pleased to confirm that all Daler-Rowney staff are safe.

"We are currently assessing the full extent of the damage and the impact on our operations. We will provide further updates as the situation develops."

At the height of the fire, 15 engines attended the blaze, including fire crews from Berkshire and neighbouring counties. Some firefighters remained on the scene overnight.

According to the Daler-Rowney website, the site is home to the firm's main office, warehouse and colour manufacturing and paper factory.