Major car dealership to close down after site was engulfed in flames as investigation into fire is underway
A MAJOR car dealership has shut down after the site burned down as a probe into the blaze is launched.
Fire crews were called to Stratstone Land Rover Stockton, in Stockton-on-Tees, County Durham, on Thursday, after it became engulfed in flames.
The fire broke out at around 8.21pm on Concorde Way and fire crews battled for nearly three hours to extinguish the flames.
Shocking footage from the scene revealed a thick plume of smoke billowing into the sky.
Four fire engines could be seen as road closures were put in place, with help from Cleveland Police.
The force said they do not believe there were any suspicious circumstances.
An initial investigation found the blaze was contained to the garage workshop and none of the cars were damaged.
Cleveland Fire Brigade confirmed “the cause of the fire is believed to have been an EV charging point”.
A spokesperson told Teesside Live: “Cleveland Fire Brigade were called on Thursday, January 2 at 8.21pm to an incident at the Land Rover showroom on Concorde Way in Preston Farm, Stockton.
“Four fire engines were in attendance from Thornaby and Stockton. Other resources used by firefighters included 10 breathing apparatus, three jets, two hose reels, thermal imaging camera and positive pressure ventilation.
“The incident was a fire which was contained to the workshop of the garage.
“No fire damage to cars. Crews had left the scene by 11.11pm. The cause of the fire is believed to have been an EV charging point.”
A spokesperson for Stratstone JLR/ Land Rover Stockton, said: “Following a fire at our JLR Stockton workshop on the evening of Thursday, 2 January, we can confirm that no one was harmed in the incident and an investigation is now underway to confirm the source.
“The fire was isolated to a small section of the workshop, and whilst some vehicles have been affected by the smoke, none were damaged by the fire.
“Our team has been in contact with all clients with vehicles in the workshop to manage next steps directly.
“Our showroom is temporarily closed, however our sales and service operations and appointments will continue for clients from our dedicated JLR service centre in Houghton Le Spring.”