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WATCH: Cannock firm helps in major Coronation Street fire

Soap fans have been bracing themselves for an explosive week on Coronation Street - while a Cannock firm has been in on the secret storyline for months.

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Rapid Fire Cover, run by Cannock firefighter Matt Owens, provided a 12-man crew to supervise an arson attack on factory boss Carla Connor's flat and ensure it did not get out of control.

This evening viewers will see Tracy Barlow attempt to wreak revenge on Carla for buying a half-share in The Rovers Return, so thwarting her plans to take over as landlady.

TRacy Barlow turns her attention to Carla Connor, picture: ITV

It is the biggest explosion the long-running drama has ever seen - bigger even than the tram crash blast and the Rovers fire.

Matt, aged 27, who runs Rapid Fire Cover in his spare time, worked on the Rovers blaze of two years ago and has also supplied firefighters for Hollyoaks and Emmerdale plot lines.

The Street's cast react in horror to the flames, picture: ITV

Colleagues from his station in Old Hednesford Road, working on their days off, were among those who joined him on the Street set.

He said: "The latest fire was filmed in night shoots over three weeks.

"The hardest part was trying to control the fire in Victoria Court when we were filming on the Street set rather than in the warehouse.

"We had to make sure it didn't spread to the buildings next door or across the road. And getting access to the roof and across three floors, one of which gives way, was tricky.

"We worked behind and in front of the cameras. Some of our crew played real firefighters, while others were hidden away in cupboards to keep an eye on the flames.

Rapid Fire Cover on set
The team take a picture on the cobbles

"Our job was to make it look dangerous but keep everyone safe.

"The fire will have a big impact on the Street and looks like really good television."

Leanne Tilsley tries to get into Carla's flat, picture: ITV

Although temperatures on set were extreme, some of the cast carried out their own stunts. The blast used 30 large gas bottles and 'a huge amount' of explosives.

The firefighters worked with a special effects team of six from Granada.

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