FIRE which caused evacuation of people at the centre of Lancaster has been 'damped down' by firefighters.

The blaze caused significant fire damage to the roof and first floor of the terraced block of shops on the corner of Mary Street and Gage Street.

Fire is believed to have started in the printing business on the first floor.


Eight fire engines and crews, an aerial ladder platform and crew from Morecambe and Command Support Unit from Blackburn attended the scene.

Pedestrians were kept away from the immediate area while nearby shops have been closed.

Fire investigation is underway but an initial report suggests the fire was electrical and involved a machine.

No-one was injured in the fire.