A FIREFIGHTER has described the scenes of raging blaze which destroyed a historic Welwyn pub in the early hours of this morning.

Crew Commander at Welwyn Garden City fire station Dean Norris, who was among one of the first at the Wellington Pub in High Street, told of the danger the firefighters were faced with as the blaze ripped through the listed building.

The call was received at 4.15am and the fire had spread from the roof to the rest of the building by the time the crews arrived.

“It was not safe for the firefighters to enter, crew commander Norris said. “The fire had quickly spread and the crew that did go in was pulled out and the aerial support unit from Watford was called out.”

He added: “We found it very difficult to gain access so we did our best to tackle it from the outside.”

Around eight pumps were deployed to the major blaze which has gutted the village pub.

Did you see the blaze? Send your pictures and stories to revieweditor@london.newsquest.co.uk.