FIREFIGHTERS spent most of the weekend damping down hotspots in the fire-ravaged Access Self Storage building in Oyster Lane, Byfleet.

One fire appliance and an aerial ladder stayed at the destroyed warehouse until yesterday (Sunday), making sure the debris was cool enough to be left.

The fire, which started on Thursday evening, also caused major damage to the Screwfix store which is attached to the Access building, but the firefighters appear to have prevented it spreading to the neighbouring Halfords Autocentre.

Access has told its customers not to go to the warehouse, as all services there are suspended. A spokesman for the company said: "We must ask that the public do not attend the site, as the remaining structure will be dangerous. At present, we do not know when, if at all, it will be possible for customers to gain access."

Screwfix says it will take some time to reopen its branch because of the damage to the building and stock.

A company spokesman told the News & Mail: "Our priority at this time is the safety and wellbeing of our colleagues, who are all safe and accounted for. 

“We will be working with them over the next few weeks to ensure they receive the support they need. Customers who had orders at the store are being contacted by our customer service team."

Residents in a wide area around Byfleet were told to keep their doors and windows closed after the fire started at around 8.50pm on Thursday, because of the huge pall of potentially toxic black smoke rising from the warehouse. 

Ten fire engines and three aerial ladders were being used by Surrey Fire and Rescue Service to tackle the blaze and prevent it spreading to neighbouring buildings.

A high-volume pump was used to bring water from hydrants some distance away, to ensure that the jets being aimed at the inferno from firefighters on the ground and working from aerial platforms could continue to be supplied.

Access Self Storage is working with the fire service to determine the cause of the blaze, which set off an automatic fire alarm. Customers seeking information about possessions that were stored in the warehouse are asked to email [email protected].