PLUMES of smoke billowed across Reading after a large fire broke out this afternoon.
Flames reportedly tore through a boathouse, thought to be operated by Reading School, shortly before 3pm today.
Pictures of the smoke showed it pouring out from a field behind Rivermead Leisure Complex, Richfield Avenue.
@rdgchronicle fire at Reading school Boat on the banks of the Thames Reading. pic.twitter.com/zQGiSnk19t
— Paul king (@Paulkin52757532) December 17, 2019
Emergency services are currently in attendance.
Pictures also showed the smoke clearly visible from Reading Train Station.
Emergency services have not confirmed which building was involved and Reading School has been contacted but did not wish to comment.
Our reporter on the scene has said several firefighters are currently tackling the blaze, which appears to have been put out.
There were two fire engines at the scene as firefighters also appear to be pumping water from the River Thames to put out the flames.
A Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue spokesman said reports came in at 2.52pm that a boathouse was on fire near Little John's Lane, Reading, and within five minutes crews from Caversham Road and Dee Road were scrambled.
The spokesperson confirmed the fire has been extinguished and investigations into the cause are ongoing.
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