FIREFIGHTERS were called to a factory today (Thursday) after a blaze broke out in a two-storey building used for manufacturing.

Fire services from Baldock and Letchworth GC, Hitchin and Stevenage attended Altro Floors’ premises in Works Road, Letchworth GC, at around 11.40am and used breathing apparatus and jets to tackle the fire, located on the ground floor.

The building has since been evacuated with all 350 employees safe and accounted for.

Fire crew are now ventilating the inside of the premises as the blaze caused heavy smoke.

Speaking at the scene, Tonia Millson, organisational development director and media spokesperson for Altro Floors, said: “There was an incident in the manufacturing area at 11.42am where a small fire broke out.

“Everyone was evacuated safely and both staff and visitors have been accounted for.

“We expect to be back in the building later this afternoon.”

The cause of the fire is not yet know.