Emergency services were called to tackle a fire at Luton Town Football Club`s stadium, Kenilworth Road, on Friday evening.
Images and videos circulating on social media depicted dark smoke rising from the ground as firefighters worked to extinguish the flames.
Bedfordshire Fire and Rescue Service received the call at 8:08 pm, with crews from stations in Luton, Stopsley, Dunstable, and Leighton Buzzard dispatched to the scene.
The fire service reported that firefighters used breathing apparatus, an aerial platform, and a 9-meter ladder with two hose reels to combat the blaze. A thermal imaging camera was also deployed to check for any remaining heat sources.
The fire was successfully brought under control and extinguished within two hours. A statement from Bedfordshire Fire and Rescue Service confirmed that crews remained on-site afterward, and Hatters Way remained fully closed for several hours.
These alarming events occurred just hours before the Championship team`s scheduled match against Coventry, set for a 12:30 pm kickoff, a game potentially crucial for the Hatters` relegation battle.
A subsequent statement issued by the club at 10:39 pm confirmed that the match against Coventry would proceed without disruption.
The club`s statement read: “We wish to inform supporters that following reports of an incident at Kenilworth Road this evening, there will be no disruption to tomorrow’s fixture against Coventry City. Smoke was discovered emanating from a small appliance fire in the stadium`s laundry room. The fire was contained to this area and promptly dealt with, preventing significant damage.”
The statement concluded: “We extend a massive thank you to Beds Fire & Rescue for their swift action, and to club partners and staff on site who assisted in resolving the issue and ensuring everything is now safe.”
