A major fire response took place in York this evening (Thursday).
At least six fire appliances were sent to Marks & Spencer on Pavement.
The store was evacuated, with M&S staff – and some hardy customers – waiting outside.
Fire crews were seen both inside and outside the building as an alarm was sounding.
There was no sign of smoke or flames from the outside of the store. And by 6.40pm, the all-clear had been sounded and the fire crews dispersed.
A North Yorkshire Fire & Rescue Service spokesperson said: “Reports of a smell of burning and a fire alarm activation were investigated by York, Acomb, Harrogate and Wetherby crew.
“Due to the size of the building all appliances were required to assist with inspection.
“This was eventually confirmed as a false alarm, believed to be caused by an alarm fault.
West Yorkshire and Humberside crews had joined the North Yorkshire firefighters at the store.
For a while, Pavement was gridlocked. But the road is back open now.