Due to the large number of Fires in Heritage Buildings added to the 2018 Database, this page now covers January to June only.
July to December can be found by clicking or tapping HERE
July to December can be found by clicking or tapping HERE
“Historic buildings are an important part of our heritage, telling the story of our past, its social and economic history. They are an ever declining stock, lost to fire, neglect and deliberate damage yet they cannot be recreated. We can create an illusion of what was there before but it can only ever be a copy, thus it is essential that these valued buildings are protected.”
John Norman, Chairman, Ipswich Society
John Norman, Chairman, Ipswich Society
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24 June 2018 - More than 70 firefighters battling thatched cottage blaze
A fire has partially destroyed one of the oldest thatched properties in Rockland All Saints, near Attleborough. More than 70 firefighters spent several hours today tackling a blaze which engulfed Grade II listed Yeoman’s Cottage, a pink cottage on Low Lane which dates back to the 1630s.
The fire broke out at around 4.15pm, and destroyed the property’s garage and roof. Norfolk Fire and Rescue Service group manager, Richard Smith, said 80 personnel were on scene at the height of blaze. He said it would take around 12 hours to “damp down” the property.
Adrian Eyres, who lives behind the cottage, said he was coming out of his drive with his wife when he saw a “roaring fire”. The 50-year-old barber said: “I put a ladder up against the fence and tried to hose it down. But it was a no hope because I was the only one fighting it from behind.” He said there were lots of “little bangs” coming from the property. His wife Joanne, 53, said: “It is heart breaking because it was a beautiful thatched cottage, which always stood very proud on that corner. The people who live there are lovely”.
The road leading to the property, past the White Hart pub, was filled with fire engines throughout the afternoon. People living in the village could be seen handing out water and food to firefighters. Mr Smith, from the fire service, said no one was inside the property by the time fire crews arrived. He said: “We have got around 80 firefighters on scene who have worked extremely hard and put in a massive amount of effort to stop the fire from spreading to neighbouring properties. We are going to be damping down for some considerable time, maybe 12 hours. We will then start to investigate the cause of the fire. The roof has collapsed and there will be a lot of water damage as well.” He said crews had removed a number of gas cylinders.
Tom Bainbridge, barman at the White Hart pub, said the whole village had come out in response to the fire. He added that the pub had been providing water to firefighters. Crews from across Norfolk were called to the scene, including the aerial ladder platform from Earlham and a water carrier from Hethersett. At 7.30am on June 25 the scene remained unsafe to leave. One fire service pump has been working since 11pm to keep the burning under control.
Source: Eastern Daily Press
A fire has partially destroyed one of the oldest thatched properties in Rockland All Saints, near Attleborough. More than 70 firefighters spent several hours today tackling a blaze which engulfed Grade II listed Yeoman’s Cottage, a pink cottage on Low Lane which dates back to the 1630s.
The fire broke out at around 4.15pm, and destroyed the property’s garage and roof. Norfolk Fire and Rescue Service group manager, Richard Smith, said 80 personnel were on scene at the height of blaze. He said it would take around 12 hours to “damp down” the property.
Adrian Eyres, who lives behind the cottage, said he was coming out of his drive with his wife when he saw a “roaring fire”. The 50-year-old barber said: “I put a ladder up against the fence and tried to hose it down. But it was a no hope because I was the only one fighting it from behind.” He said there were lots of “little bangs” coming from the property. His wife Joanne, 53, said: “It is heart breaking because it was a beautiful thatched cottage, which always stood very proud on that corner. The people who live there are lovely”.
The road leading to the property, past the White Hart pub, was filled with fire engines throughout the afternoon. People living in the village could be seen handing out water and food to firefighters. Mr Smith, from the fire service, said no one was inside the property by the time fire crews arrived. He said: “We have got around 80 firefighters on scene who have worked extremely hard and put in a massive amount of effort to stop the fire from spreading to neighbouring properties. We are going to be damping down for some considerable time, maybe 12 hours. We will then start to investigate the cause of the fire. The roof has collapsed and there will be a lot of water damage as well.” He said crews had removed a number of gas cylinders.
Tom Bainbridge, barman at the White Hart pub, said the whole village had come out in response to the fire. He added that the pub had been providing water to firefighters. Crews from across Norfolk were called to the scene, including the aerial ladder platform from Earlham and a water carrier from Hethersett. At 7.30am on June 25 the scene remained unsafe to leave. One fire service pump has been working since 11pm to keep the burning under control.
Source: Eastern Daily Press
Flames swept across the thatched roof at Yeoman's Cottage in Rockland All Saints. (Picture: Karen Roseberry)
24 June 2018 – Fire crews battle blaze at Belfast Ormeau Road builder's yard
A massive blaze destroyed a historic Victorian building on the lower Ormeau Road in Belfast last night (24th). Firefighters tackled the blaze at the former H&J Martin builder's yard, close to Belfast's densely-packed student residential area. The enormous pall of smoke that marked the site of the conflagration could be seen from all over the city. Crowds of onlookers packed the nearby streets to watch as emergency services, who were quickly on the scene, battled the blaze at the Victorian building.
A spokesman for the The Northern Ireland Ambulance Service said it had sent a rapid response paramedic and an ambulance to the scene as a precaution but, when it was ascertained there was no one in the building, they were stood down. The cause of the fire is not yet known. The road was closed and police officers moved sightseers away from the danger zone around the blaze.
The former building contractor's yard, historically referred to as the Ulster Building Works, is located between University Avenue and Rugby Avenue and had been home to H&J Martin Ltd since 1885. One of Northern Ireland's oldest building firms, it did original work on Belfast City Hall the Grand Opera House and the Slieve Donard Hotel. The building yard has been closed for a number of years and was taken over by Lagan Construction in 2015.
Update: 26 June2018 - A fire at a historic builders' yard in south Belfast, earmarked for a £5 million redevelopment, was arson. The fire service yesterday confirmed that the blaze at the 19th century building on the lower Ormeau Road was "deliberate but the cause of the fire is still under investigation".
Clearance work for 47 new homes began at the site this month. The planning approval issued to H&J Martin by Belfast City Council in January specified that the 1879 structure must be retained by the developer, but could be changed in use "to form two apartments".
Ulster Architectural Heritage Society, which supports built heritage, said it was "concerned" to hear about the fire. We hope the building will be saved," a spokeswoman said, adding if that was "not possible, a `like for like' in scale, form, height, etc" should be built.
A Belfast City Council spokeswoman said: "The building at 163 Ormeau Road is not a listed building and is not located within a conservation area. It is however located within an area of townscape character and, as such, planning permission is required for any works to the building, including demolition of any part of the structure. So, if no.163 cannot be retained and converted, as per the original application above, a new planning application for this element of the permission would be required."
Source: Irish News / Belfast Telegraph
A massive blaze destroyed a historic Victorian building on the lower Ormeau Road in Belfast last night (24th). Firefighters tackled the blaze at the former H&J Martin builder's yard, close to Belfast's densely-packed student residential area. The enormous pall of smoke that marked the site of the conflagration could be seen from all over the city. Crowds of onlookers packed the nearby streets to watch as emergency services, who were quickly on the scene, battled the blaze at the Victorian building.
A spokesman for the The Northern Ireland Ambulance Service said it had sent a rapid response paramedic and an ambulance to the scene as a precaution but, when it was ascertained there was no one in the building, they were stood down. The cause of the fire is not yet known. The road was closed and police officers moved sightseers away from the danger zone around the blaze.
The former building contractor's yard, historically referred to as the Ulster Building Works, is located between University Avenue and Rugby Avenue and had been home to H&J Martin Ltd since 1885. One of Northern Ireland's oldest building firms, it did original work on Belfast City Hall the Grand Opera House and the Slieve Donard Hotel. The building yard has been closed for a number of years and was taken over by Lagan Construction in 2015.
Update: 26 June2018 - A fire at a historic builders' yard in south Belfast, earmarked for a £5 million redevelopment, was arson. The fire service yesterday confirmed that the blaze at the 19th century building on the lower Ormeau Road was "deliberate but the cause of the fire is still under investigation".
Clearance work for 47 new homes began at the site this month. The planning approval issued to H&J Martin by Belfast City Council in January specified that the 1879 structure must be retained by the developer, but could be changed in use "to form two apartments".
Ulster Architectural Heritage Society, which supports built heritage, said it was "concerned" to hear about the fire. We hope the building will be saved," a spokeswoman said, adding if that was "not possible, a `like for like' in scale, form, height, etc" should be built.
A Belfast City Council spokeswoman said: "The building at 163 Ormeau Road is not a listed building and is not located within a conservation area. It is however located within an area of townscape character and, as such, planning permission is required for any works to the building, including demolition of any part of the structure. So, if no.163 cannot be retained and converted, as per the original application above, a new planning application for this element of the permission would be required."
Source: Irish News / Belfast Telegraph
Fire breaks out on Belfast's Ormeau Road (Picture from video by Colm O'Reilly)
22 June 2018 - Tyre fire started at abandoned Wigan mill
Firefighters were called into action last night after trespassers started a blaze at an abandoned mill. Crews from Wigan fire station were called around 9pm yesterday (Friday, June 22) to reports of a blaze near a disused building at Eckersley Mills in Fourteen Meadows Road. Persons of unknown age had gained access to the site by trespassing through the back of Wigan Roller Rink, and started a fire on the premises. They then added tyres onto the pile of burning materials, which caused large amounts of smoke. Two engines remained at the scene for over an hour to extinguish the fire, and firefighters liaised with staff from the roller rink to ascertain how the culprits had got into the disused buildings.
Eckersley Mills is the borough's largest collection of Victorian mill buildings, along with several office blocks and a gatehouse, they built between 1884 and 1900 by AH Stott for Farington Eckersley & Co. Ltd. Many of the buildings are Grade II listed.
Source: Wigan Today
Firefighters were called into action last night after trespassers started a blaze at an abandoned mill. Crews from Wigan fire station were called around 9pm yesterday (Friday, June 22) to reports of a blaze near a disused building at Eckersley Mills in Fourteen Meadows Road. Persons of unknown age had gained access to the site by trespassing through the back of Wigan Roller Rink, and started a fire on the premises. They then added tyres onto the pile of burning materials, which caused large amounts of smoke. Two engines remained at the scene for over an hour to extinguish the fire, and firefighters liaised with staff from the roller rink to ascertain how the culprits had got into the disused buildings.
Eckersley Mills is the borough's largest collection of Victorian mill buildings, along with several office blocks and a gatehouse, they built between 1884 and 1900 by AH Stott for Farington Eckersley & Co. Ltd. Many of the buildings are Grade II listed.
Source: Wigan Today
Firefighters were called into action last night after trespassers started a blaze at an abandoned mill.
22 June 2018 - Massive blaze at Somers Town Coffee House pub in Camden
A massive fire has broken out in a central London pub as drinkers were kicking off the weekend.
Witnesses said the flames and smoke had sent "drinkers running into the street". Images of the scene appear to show the roof of the building on fire.
The historic Grade II listed pub, which covers three floors, on Chalton Street NW1, which was once a supposed meeting place for Huguenot intellectuals, underwent a major refurbishment in 2007 and turned itself into a gastropub. It is located just a few hundred metres from three major railway stations - Euston, King's Cross and St Pancras.
The London Fire Brigade said that originally six engines were sent to the Somers Town Coffee House pub but in a later update said there were ten, along with 72 firefighters and officers. A spokeswoman for the LFB told The Sun Online that they were called at 8.06pm this evening. There are also, reportedly, two or three ambulances at the scene of the pub.
A worker at the nearby Mai Sushi restaurant told The Sun Online: "I don't know what started it. I don't think anyone was injured." Eleonore Deneuve, was in her shop Cheezelo, next door the pub when it started. She said: "We couldn't see anything at one point. I had to close the door of my shop. I was inhaling some of the fumes. I think everyone was evacuated. It's a Friday so I think there was around 100 people evacuated. I saw from pictures that it was from the roof. The smoke was very high up and we couldn't see any of the street for about five minutes. It was all black smoke. Police started to get people to run away because the smoke was a very high density."
Corin Faife, 32, who was in the pub watching the Serbia vs Switzerland World Cup game told the BBC: "The bar staff were running around making sure everybody got out," he said. "It was a pretty scary situation. We grabbed all of our things and ran out." Daniel Waisberg wrote on Twitter: "Wow, looks like a pretty serious fire in central London!" His image showed huge clouds of smoke drifting above the roof tops with the BT Tower in the background. The Metropolitan Police said they had not received any notice of anyone being injured.
Source: The Sun.
Update - 3 July 2018: A cigarette discarded in guttering caused a blaze that destroyed the roof and upper floor of Yummy Pub Co’s the Somers Town Coffee House, in Euston, on 22 June.
The company, led by Anthony Pender and Tim Foster, said a forensic investigation had found that the discarded cigarette had set light to guttering on the second floor of the pub. Foster said: “We now understand the fire began at the back of the pub on the upper floors. It’s terrifying to know that a business you have built for the past 10 years is put at risk due to somebody’s careless attitude. What’s more unforgiving is that we have since found fresh cigarette butts in the area where the fire began, meaning somebody is still discarding fag ends after the fire! Police have been informed and we’re installing cameras to that area of the pub.
Source: The Caterer
A massive fire has broken out in a central London pub as drinkers were kicking off the weekend.
Witnesses said the flames and smoke had sent "drinkers running into the street". Images of the scene appear to show the roof of the building on fire.
The historic Grade II listed pub, which covers three floors, on Chalton Street NW1, which was once a supposed meeting place for Huguenot intellectuals, underwent a major refurbishment in 2007 and turned itself into a gastropub. It is located just a few hundred metres from three major railway stations - Euston, King's Cross and St Pancras.
The London Fire Brigade said that originally six engines were sent to the Somers Town Coffee House pub but in a later update said there were ten, along with 72 firefighters and officers. A spokeswoman for the LFB told The Sun Online that they were called at 8.06pm this evening. There are also, reportedly, two or three ambulances at the scene of the pub.
A worker at the nearby Mai Sushi restaurant told The Sun Online: "I don't know what started it. I don't think anyone was injured." Eleonore Deneuve, was in her shop Cheezelo, next door the pub when it started. She said: "We couldn't see anything at one point. I had to close the door of my shop. I was inhaling some of the fumes. I think everyone was evacuated. It's a Friday so I think there was around 100 people evacuated. I saw from pictures that it was from the roof. The smoke was very high up and we couldn't see any of the street for about five minutes. It was all black smoke. Police started to get people to run away because the smoke was a very high density."
Corin Faife, 32, who was in the pub watching the Serbia vs Switzerland World Cup game told the BBC: "The bar staff were running around making sure everybody got out," he said. "It was a pretty scary situation. We grabbed all of our things and ran out." Daniel Waisberg wrote on Twitter: "Wow, looks like a pretty serious fire in central London!" His image showed huge clouds of smoke drifting above the roof tops with the BT Tower in the background. The Metropolitan Police said they had not received any notice of anyone being injured.
Source: The Sun.
Update - 3 July 2018: A cigarette discarded in guttering caused a blaze that destroyed the roof and upper floor of Yummy Pub Co’s the Somers Town Coffee House, in Euston, on 22 June.
The company, led by Anthony Pender and Tim Foster, said a forensic investigation had found that the discarded cigarette had set light to guttering on the second floor of the pub. Foster said: “We now understand the fire began at the back of the pub on the upper floors. It’s terrifying to know that a business you have built for the past 10 years is put at risk due to somebody’s careless attitude. What’s more unforgiving is that we have since found fresh cigarette butts in the area where the fire began, meaning somebody is still discarding fag ends after the fire! Police have been informed and we’re installing cameras to that area of the pub.
Source: The Caterer
Somers Town Coffee House near Euston Station. (Picture: London Fire Brigade)
21 June 2018 - Arson incident at Davidstow airfield control tower leaves community furious
The burnt historic control tower is not listed which goes against what some in the community have been campaigning for.
An incident of arson involving a number of tyres set alight in a disused airfield control tower has angered the nearby community. Firefighters from Delabole and Launceston were called out to the disused building on Davidstow airfield after receiving a 999 call that it was on fire. The two crews attended the blaze at 11.15am on Thursday.
A spokesman for Delabole Community Fire Station said: "A crew from Delabole with assistance from Launceston were called to a disused building on Davidstow airfield. On arrival the crews came across a large number of tyres that had been set alight inside the building. It took three teams wearing breathing apparatus to extinguish the fire."
The incident has angered many people in the area. Several local residents took to Facebook to express their dismay. "How upsetting that someone would do that," Em McClary commented on Facebook. "We used to spend hours and hours up there when we were younger." Kristie Williams also posted on the Delabole fire station's page, adding: "Someone decided to burn down history. Low lives." Robert Eddy commented: "I hope it's on the protected buildings list! Wasn’t this on the news recently as they wanted to restore it to its former glory? Wasn’t it an aerial bombing practice room using projectors onto the floor?"
However as Anne Knight explained the bomb aimer trainer is a different building. She said: "It has been given listed building status along with the turret trainer building. This one is the station control tower which was not given listed building protection sadly." Ann Tomlinson agreed, adding: "This building should be listed for its historic value.
Source: Cornwall Live
An arson incident inside the disused but unlisted control tower at Davidstow airfield has angered the community
(Image: Delabole Community Fire Station)
20 June 2018 - Hamilton Town Hotel fire video shows firefighters tackling blaze at historic site
Emergency services have rushed to Hamilton’s Townhead Street as fire rips through the former Hamilton Town Hotel building. A spokesman for the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service said: “The service was alerted at 2.50pm on Wednesday, June 20, to reports of a fire in a derelict building. Operations Control mobilised four fire engines to Hamilton’s Townhead Street, where firefighters are currently working to extinguish the fire. There are no casualties.”
Hamilton Town Hotel, which dates back to the mid-19th century, has lain derelict for more than a decade, and has been subjected to graffiti and vandalism over the years.The building is also listed on Historic Environment Scotland’s Buildings at Risk Register. Shopkeepers and visitors to the area have branded the Category C listed building an “eyesore”.
As we reported previously, ambitious plans have been lodged with South Lanarkshire Council to demolish the “eyesore” building. The Premier Inn group have proposed building a £7 million hotel on the town centre site, complete with 96-bedrooms and a Beefeater restaurant. Two objections were received, with one stating they “strongly objected to this development, which proposes the destruction of a majestic, iconic Hamilton landmark”. They stated in the report: “In this instance, the application site is located in a sustainable location within Hamilton Town Centre and it is considered that the proposal would provide regeneration benefits through the re-development of a previously developed site, which includes a building which has been lying vacant and in a dangerous condition for a significant period of time and would enhance the employment opportunities in the area through the management and operation of the facility. It is considered that the retention of the listed building is not economically viable and that the demolition has been sufficiently justified through the qualified evidence submitted.” The hotel is expected to bring around 60 jobs to the area.
Source: Daily Record
Emergency services have rushed to Hamilton’s Townhead Street as fire rips through the former Hamilton Town Hotel building. A spokesman for the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service said: “The service was alerted at 2.50pm on Wednesday, June 20, to reports of a fire in a derelict building. Operations Control mobilised four fire engines to Hamilton’s Townhead Street, where firefighters are currently working to extinguish the fire. There are no casualties.”
Hamilton Town Hotel, which dates back to the mid-19th century, has lain derelict for more than a decade, and has been subjected to graffiti and vandalism over the years.The building is also listed on Historic Environment Scotland’s Buildings at Risk Register. Shopkeepers and visitors to the area have branded the Category C listed building an “eyesore”.
As we reported previously, ambitious plans have been lodged with South Lanarkshire Council to demolish the “eyesore” building. The Premier Inn group have proposed building a £7 million hotel on the town centre site, complete with 96-bedrooms and a Beefeater restaurant. Two objections were received, with one stating they “strongly objected to this development, which proposes the destruction of a majestic, iconic Hamilton landmark”. They stated in the report: “In this instance, the application site is located in a sustainable location within Hamilton Town Centre and it is considered that the proposal would provide regeneration benefits through the re-development of a previously developed site, which includes a building which has been lying vacant and in a dangerous condition for a significant period of time and would enhance the employment opportunities in the area through the management and operation of the facility. It is considered that the retention of the listed building is not economically viable and that the demolition has been sufficiently justified through the qualified evidence submitted.” The hotel is expected to bring around 60 jobs to the area.
Source: Daily Record
Fire at former Hamilton Town Hotel (Pic by Garry McCallum, Historic Hamilton)
17 June 2018 - Firefighters put out fire at abandoned St Joseph’s Orphanage
An old orphanage in the centre of Preston appears to have been targeted by vandals once more. St Joseph’s Orphanage in Theatre Street and Mount Street saw two crews from Preston and Penwortham fire stations appear. Firefighters were called to reports of a fire at the former orphanage and hospital around 8pm on Sunday (17 June). Crews used ladders to gain access to the first floor and put out the fire. The cause of the fire is not yet known. No one was hurt in the fire.
The former orphanage and what was Mount Street Hospital has stood empty for over a decade and sits in a prime location near Winckley Square. The Mount Street hospital was first opened in 1872 as an orphanage for Roman Catholic girls.It has been closed since 2003 when it was last used as a nursing home, the hospital itself stopped operating in 1986.
The Grade II listed building is now among the top most endangered historic buildings named on an annual list by national architectural charity Victorian Society. Preston City Council are understood to be progressing plans for the building, which is privately owned, after they took on architects to try to push forward the development of St Joseph’s.
Source: Blog Preston
An old orphanage in the centre of Preston appears to have been targeted by vandals once more. St Joseph’s Orphanage in Theatre Street and Mount Street saw two crews from Preston and Penwortham fire stations appear. Firefighters were called to reports of a fire at the former orphanage and hospital around 8pm on Sunday (17 June). Crews used ladders to gain access to the first floor and put out the fire. The cause of the fire is not yet known. No one was hurt in the fire.
The former orphanage and what was Mount Street Hospital has stood empty for over a decade and sits in a prime location near Winckley Square. The Mount Street hospital was first opened in 1872 as an orphanage for Roman Catholic girls.It has been closed since 2003 when it was last used as a nursing home, the hospital itself stopped operating in 1986.
The Grade II listed building is now among the top most endangered historic buildings named on an annual list by national architectural charity Victorian Society. Preston City Council are understood to be progressing plans for the building, which is privately owned, after they took on architects to try to push forward the development of St Joseph’s.
Source: Blog Preston
The former orphanage buildings where a fire started on the first floor.
15 June 2018 - Glasgow School of Art fire: Devastating blaze at historic Mackintosh Building spreads to nightclub
Scores of firefighters were tackling a "significant" blaze that had consumed the
Category A listed Glasgow School of Art's Mackintosh Building and had spread to nearby buildings, including one of the city's leading nightclubs. Flames and smoke billowed from the roof of the renowned art school throughout the night and into Saturday morning, the second time in four years that a serious blaze has hit the building. Fire ravaged the historic building, one of Scotland's most famous structures, in May 2014 and a multi-million pound restoration project, led by Hollywood star Brad Pitt and Dr Who actor Peter Capaldi, has been returning the art school to its former glory.
The fire at the Mackintosh Building has spread to "several properties including the O2 ABC nightclub causing extensive damage," the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service said. There were no casualties, the fire service said. The club is one the city's major venues, with the Foo Fighters scheduled to perform on Saturday night. More than 120 firefighters were battling the "significant" fire throughout the night after being called at 11.19pm. Deputy Chief Officer Iain Bushell said: "This is an extremely challenging and complex incident, but the response and professionalism of our firefighters has been exceptional. This will be a prolonged incident and crews will remain on the scene as they work to prevent further fire spread and damage."
Graduation ceremonies had taken place earlier on Friday, while the May 2014 blaze came in the run-up to students' degree show. Nicola Sturgeon, Scotland's First Minister, said: "This is clearly an extremely serious situation. My first thoughts tonight are for the safety of people - but my heart also breaks for Glasgow's beloved @GSofA. Once again, we are indebted to the bravery of our firefighters and other emergency services."
Shadow Scottish minister Paul Sweeney, Labour and Co-operative MP for Glasgow North East, said he was "devastated" a fire had consumed the building again. He added: "The 2014 fire destroyed around 20% of the western wing of the building - a later extension completed in 1909, containing the spectacular library - with a further 30% smoke damaged. This fire appears to be much more extensive and affects the 1899 eastern wing of the building." He later said "the entire interior space is now fully alight. The best we can probably hope for is structural facade retention and a complete rebuild of the interior". There must be "a comprehensive national effort to ensure every possible option to salvage and restore what is one of the finest edifices in the history of world architecture is pursued in the wake of this latest setback"," he said. "I'll be doing everything I can to promote that in Parliament," he said.
David Mundell, the Scottish Secretary, said the Government "stands ready to help" the Glasgow School of Art "financially or otherwise". Susan Aitken, the city council leader, called the fire "devastating". Witness Aidan Dick said the fire and smoke grew in intensity "in the space of a few minutes". He tweeted: "Glasgow School of Art is on fire again. Heartbreaking. My thoughts go to all students and staff, and I hope no one was caught in the blaze."
The institution is one of Europe's leading art schools, while the listed Mackintosh-designed building is a tourist attraction in its own right. Construction work started on the building in 1897 after Mackintosh won a design competition while working for Glasgow architects Honeyman & Keppie. It took around 10 years to complete due to funding issues and several alterations were made by Mackintosh during the process. More than a century later, it still operates as a working building serving hundreds of students. Peter Swanton, a former Glasgow School of Art student who also witnessed the 2014 fire, said it "hurts" to see the Mackintosh in flames again. The Glasgow School of Art was a home away from home for 4 years and still such an important part of my life. To see this from my roof hurts," the designer wrote on Twitter. "I was standing in front of the Mac 4 years ago as it burned. I had just finished my first year of art school. I never thought I would see the same scenes being repeated."
Local resident John McInnes, 22, said: "I can't believe that this has happened again to such an iconic building. It's unbelievable. Questions need to be asked, they spent so much on renovation, but this seems so much worse than the last one." The Glasgow School of Art had gone to extreme lengths to restore the Mackintosh building after the 2014 fire. The school described itself as "custodians of an iconic piece of world architectural heritage" with a responsibility to restore it for students and staff. After the blaze significantly damaged the west wing, including the loss of the celebrated Mackintosh Library, the first stage of the restoration was to fit a temporary roof over the site. A full-scale model of part of the library was later built to test if the original materials and techniques from Mackintosh's 19th century design could be used in its reconstruction.
The specifications for the model bay were developed with "meticulous research" into every aspect of the original design and construction of the library. To rebuild the wooden library, the restoration team sourced wood from the US which was the same age as that used in Mackintosh's 19th century design. The first phase saw outer work with damaged stonework repaired and the roof replaced before the delicate process of restoring the west wing and upgrading the east wing interiors began last year. Work was due to be completed in February 2019.
Source: The Telegraph
Scores of firefighters were tackling a "significant" blaze that had consumed the
Category A listed Glasgow School of Art's Mackintosh Building and had spread to nearby buildings, including one of the city's leading nightclubs. Flames and smoke billowed from the roof of the renowned art school throughout the night and into Saturday morning, the second time in four years that a serious blaze has hit the building. Fire ravaged the historic building, one of Scotland's most famous structures, in May 2014 and a multi-million pound restoration project, led by Hollywood star Brad Pitt and Dr Who actor Peter Capaldi, has been returning the art school to its former glory.
The fire at the Mackintosh Building has spread to "several properties including the O2 ABC nightclub causing extensive damage," the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service said. There were no casualties, the fire service said. The club is one the city's major venues, with the Foo Fighters scheduled to perform on Saturday night. More than 120 firefighters were battling the "significant" fire throughout the night after being called at 11.19pm. Deputy Chief Officer Iain Bushell said: "This is an extremely challenging and complex incident, but the response and professionalism of our firefighters has been exceptional. This will be a prolonged incident and crews will remain on the scene as they work to prevent further fire spread and damage."
Graduation ceremonies had taken place earlier on Friday, while the May 2014 blaze came in the run-up to students' degree show. Nicola Sturgeon, Scotland's First Minister, said: "This is clearly an extremely serious situation. My first thoughts tonight are for the safety of people - but my heart also breaks for Glasgow's beloved @GSofA. Once again, we are indebted to the bravery of our firefighters and other emergency services."
Shadow Scottish minister Paul Sweeney, Labour and Co-operative MP for Glasgow North East, said he was "devastated" a fire had consumed the building again. He added: "The 2014 fire destroyed around 20% of the western wing of the building - a later extension completed in 1909, containing the spectacular library - with a further 30% smoke damaged. This fire appears to be much more extensive and affects the 1899 eastern wing of the building." He later said "the entire interior space is now fully alight. The best we can probably hope for is structural facade retention and a complete rebuild of the interior". There must be "a comprehensive national effort to ensure every possible option to salvage and restore what is one of the finest edifices in the history of world architecture is pursued in the wake of this latest setback"," he said. "I'll be doing everything I can to promote that in Parliament," he said.
David Mundell, the Scottish Secretary, said the Government "stands ready to help" the Glasgow School of Art "financially or otherwise". Susan Aitken, the city council leader, called the fire "devastating". Witness Aidan Dick said the fire and smoke grew in intensity "in the space of a few minutes". He tweeted: "Glasgow School of Art is on fire again. Heartbreaking. My thoughts go to all students and staff, and I hope no one was caught in the blaze."
The institution is one of Europe's leading art schools, while the listed Mackintosh-designed building is a tourist attraction in its own right. Construction work started on the building in 1897 after Mackintosh won a design competition while working for Glasgow architects Honeyman & Keppie. It took around 10 years to complete due to funding issues and several alterations were made by Mackintosh during the process. More than a century later, it still operates as a working building serving hundreds of students. Peter Swanton, a former Glasgow School of Art student who also witnessed the 2014 fire, said it "hurts" to see the Mackintosh in flames again. The Glasgow School of Art was a home away from home for 4 years and still such an important part of my life. To see this from my roof hurts," the designer wrote on Twitter. "I was standing in front of the Mac 4 years ago as it burned. I had just finished my first year of art school. I never thought I would see the same scenes being repeated."
Local resident John McInnes, 22, said: "I can't believe that this has happened again to such an iconic building. It's unbelievable. Questions need to be asked, they spent so much on renovation, but this seems so much worse than the last one." The Glasgow School of Art had gone to extreme lengths to restore the Mackintosh building after the 2014 fire. The school described itself as "custodians of an iconic piece of world architectural heritage" with a responsibility to restore it for students and staff. After the blaze significantly damaged the west wing, including the loss of the celebrated Mackintosh Library, the first stage of the restoration was to fit a temporary roof over the site. A full-scale model of part of the library was later built to test if the original materials and techniques from Mackintosh's 19th century design could be used in its reconstruction.
The specifications for the model bay were developed with "meticulous research" into every aspect of the original design and construction of the library. To rebuild the wooden library, the restoration team sourced wood from the US which was the same age as that used in Mackintosh's 19th century design. The first phase saw outer work with damaged stonework repaired and the roof replaced before the delicate process of restoring the west wing and upgrading the east wing interiors began last year. Work was due to be completed in February 2019.
Source: The Telegraph
Glasgow School of Art is on fire again
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The fire could be seen for miles around
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15 June 2018 - Newport church fire: Historic 19th century chapel destroyed after huge inferno rips through building
A huge fire has engulfed a 19th century church and community centre in South Wales. Locals are in tears as the fire rips through Bethel Community Church in Newport and a derelict nightclub. The entirety of the roof and the interior of the church appears to have been gutted. The foundation stone for the chapel was laid on August 9th 1883 and it is Grade II listed.
10 fire crews and two aerial platforms are at the scene. A video shot at the scene captures the sound of an explosion which is so loud it shocks the man filming the fire into almost dropping the camera. It is followed by two smaller explosions at which point two nearby police officers intervene and tell the man to get down and stop filming. One police officer can be heard saying: "Right guys it's getting serious now, it's time to get off, ok?" The fire is so intense that part of the brickwork can be seen crumbling away. Andrew Cleverly is the pastor of the church which has a congregation of 200 people. He said: “This church is 140 years old. We were in the process of redeveloping it all and now it’s gone. The inside of the roof was quite unique. It was all wood.”
Church member Linda Lewis told the South Wales Argus: "It's hard to know what to pray for. You want to ask God to save it but it's already destroyed." Another church member added: "This is our home." Lara Burton, 25, is a member of the church and arrived at about 6.30pm to help set up their youth club. On arrival she said she saw the club building was on fire and alerted the four other youth leaders inside. “I arrived just before it caught fire,” she said. “I was aware that there was a fire next door and I asked the fire brigade if we should get people out of the church and they said yes."
A former nightclub has also gone up in flames. The Zanzibar and Escapade club has reportedly been derelict for a number of years. Newport resident James McCarthy told WalesOnline: “I’m stood by the river, quite some way from the fire. There are people walking past who have been coughing. You can hear sirens. There is thick black smoke blowing up some way into the sky. It is almost like fog covering the city.” Head of Joint Fire Control Jennie Griffiths, has said people should ‘stay well away’ from the area.
Source: The Mirror
A huge fire has engulfed a 19th century church and community centre in South Wales. Locals are in tears as the fire rips through Bethel Community Church in Newport and a derelict nightclub. The entirety of the roof and the interior of the church appears to have been gutted. The foundation stone for the chapel was laid on August 9th 1883 and it is Grade II listed.
10 fire crews and two aerial platforms are at the scene. A video shot at the scene captures the sound of an explosion which is so loud it shocks the man filming the fire into almost dropping the camera. It is followed by two smaller explosions at which point two nearby police officers intervene and tell the man to get down and stop filming. One police officer can be heard saying: "Right guys it's getting serious now, it's time to get off, ok?" The fire is so intense that part of the brickwork can be seen crumbling away. Andrew Cleverly is the pastor of the church which has a congregation of 200 people. He said: “This church is 140 years old. We were in the process of redeveloping it all and now it’s gone. The inside of the roof was quite unique. It was all wood.”
Church member Linda Lewis told the South Wales Argus: "It's hard to know what to pray for. You want to ask God to save it but it's already destroyed." Another church member added: "This is our home." Lara Burton, 25, is a member of the church and arrived at about 6.30pm to help set up their youth club. On arrival she said she saw the club building was on fire and alerted the four other youth leaders inside. “I arrived just before it caught fire,” she said. “I was aware that there was a fire next door and I asked the fire brigade if we should get people out of the church and they said yes."
A former nightclub has also gone up in flames. The Zanzibar and Escapade club has reportedly been derelict for a number of years. Newport resident James McCarthy told WalesOnline: “I’m stood by the river, quite some way from the fire. There are people walking past who have been coughing. You can hear sirens. There is thick black smoke blowing up some way into the sky. It is almost like fog covering the city.” Head of Joint Fire Control Jennie Griffiths, has said people should ‘stay well away’ from the area.
Source: The Mirror
The church appears to have been destroyed in the fire (Image: Marcus Hughes / Wales Online)
11 June 2018 - Halesworth fire leaves residents homeless and destroys historic buildings
A number of people have been left homeless after a blaze in the historic centre of a Suffolk market town. The fire broke out in a flat above a newsagent in Halesworth, at about 18:15 BST on Monday. No-one was injured but some residents are unable to return to their homes. The town's councillor said the community was rallying to help those affected with offers of clothing. Crews are still damping down and an investigation will begin later.
At its height about 20 fire appliances from Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service and Norfolk tackled the blaze in the Grade II listed early 18th century building which had spread to another Grade II 15th century neighbouring building. The fire caused a roof to collapse, and a drone was used to identify hot spots. The blaze was brought under control shortly before 02:00 but crews remain at the scene on Tuesday, damping down. Group Commander Paul Field, from the Suffolk service said the blaze was "rapidly spreading" when crews first arrived. "Firefighting conditions were quite difficult due to the age and construction of the building, creating many hidden voids for the fire to travel. Crews are still there this morning tackling hotspots." He said a structural engineer would need to check the buildings before anyone else could go in.
The town's Conservative councillor, Tony Goldson, said dozens of people have come forward with offers of help for residents and businesses affected by the fire. "There are two little children that lived in one of the flats, they've lost their clothes and people are saying we've got clothes they can have - spare school uniforms - there are lots of people very concerned." Those affected were staying with relatives, he said, but added: "There was a parrot that lived in the newsagent's and that was rescued as well. It brings a community - unfortunately in these circumstances - together. It brings out the best in Halesworth," Mr Goldson said.
The area is the oldest part of Halesworth which had been built on by the end of medieval times and is within the Halesworth Conservation Area.
Source: BBC News
A number of people have been left homeless after a blaze in the historic centre of a Suffolk market town. The fire broke out in a flat above a newsagent in Halesworth, at about 18:15 BST on Monday. No-one was injured but some residents are unable to return to their homes. The town's councillor said the community was rallying to help those affected with offers of clothing. Crews are still damping down and an investigation will begin later.
At its height about 20 fire appliances from Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service and Norfolk tackled the blaze in the Grade II listed early 18th century building which had spread to another Grade II 15th century neighbouring building. The fire caused a roof to collapse, and a drone was used to identify hot spots. The blaze was brought under control shortly before 02:00 but crews remain at the scene on Tuesday, damping down. Group Commander Paul Field, from the Suffolk service said the blaze was "rapidly spreading" when crews first arrived. "Firefighting conditions were quite difficult due to the age and construction of the building, creating many hidden voids for the fire to travel. Crews are still there this morning tackling hotspots." He said a structural engineer would need to check the buildings before anyone else could go in.
The town's Conservative councillor, Tony Goldson, said dozens of people have come forward with offers of help for residents and businesses affected by the fire. "There are two little children that lived in one of the flats, they've lost their clothes and people are saying we've got clothes they can have - spare school uniforms - there are lots of people very concerned." Those affected were staying with relatives, he said, but added: "There was a parrot that lived in the newsagent's and that was rescued as well. It brings a community - unfortunately in these circumstances - together. It brings out the best in Halesworth," Mr Goldson said.
The area is the oldest part of Halesworth which had been built on by the end of medieval times and is within the Halesworth Conservation Area.
Source: BBC News
Fire crews were called out at about 18:15 BST (Photo: Suffolk F&RS)
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The fire started in a flat above a shop (Photo: Kevin Greagsby)
Drone picture shows the considerable damage done to the historic buildings.
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Update: 24 January 2019 - A road through the centre of Halesworth in Suffolk will be closed for 3 days next month as part of ongoing repairs to two Grade II listed buildings which were seriously damaged in a fire last June. The fire, which started within the first floor flat of No 29 Market Place and spread to the adjoining Mansion House, devastated a number of businesses and caused significant inconvenience to the town centre and surrounding area. Since the fire, demolition contractors have been working to strip parts of the historic building fabric that cannot be preserved, under the watch of local conservation officers and structural engineers.
The precarious and historic nature of the buildings has presented challenges, not least the town centre location of the site which has restricted access. The next stage of the project requires a temporary scaffold roof structure to be erected over Mansion House, which has retained some historic and listed features. Subject to Listed Building consent, a new permanent roof is to be reinstated to return the building to a watertight condition. A further Listed Building application will be prepared for the internal reinstatement works and finishes.
Source: ITV News
The precarious and historic nature of the buildings has presented challenges, not least the town centre location of the site which has restricted access. The next stage of the project requires a temporary scaffold roof structure to be erected over Mansion House, which has retained some historic and listed features. Subject to Listed Building consent, a new permanent roof is to be reinstated to return the building to a watertight condition. A further Listed Building application will be prepared for the internal reinstatement works and finishes.
Source: ITV News
11 June 2018 – Cottesmore Golf and Country Club in Crawley is ‘about 50% damaged’ after huge fire
Members, staff and visitors are shocked and saddened by the substantial fire damage inflicted on the much loved Cottesmore Hotel, Spa and Country Club’s buildings in Buchan Hill between the villages of Colgate and Pease Pottage.
The fire service received calls for assistance at 17.03 on Monday and immediately attended to find a well developed and rapidly spreading fire with roaring flames and black smoke billowing skywards. A further 10 fire engines were deployed, along with specialist vehicles equipped with ladders and an aerial Ladder Platform. 60 firefighters were on site, working in shifts and specialist officers remained overnight and on Tuesday to continue damping down. Forensic investigations are underway to establish the cause of the blaze, which the fire service estimates to have severely damaged 50 per cent of the main building, extinguishment water and smoke also having taken their toll. The premises were evacuated and no injuries were reported.
The beautiful 19th Century building has a surprising history: it was originally a farm, with buildings (which became the clubhouse) built by some of the many French prisoners in Britain in 1815 at the end of the Napoleonic wars. The main building, where the fire occurred, was built in 1884.The golf course opened in 1975, with another course added in 1983 before, nine years later, the country club complex, complete with its superb indoor pool, health and beauty club and fully licensed function rooms came on stream. Nine hotel rooms were provided in 2002 and seven, two-bedroom holiday lodges in 2007. Prior to the fire work was in hand to further enhance the facilities for disabled members and visitors.
Roffey Cricket Club Chairman Mark Hamilton told the District Post: “I’ve been a member at Cottesmore for years and, on Monday, I had been in the gym and was heading for the pool when the fire broke out. I grabbed a fire extinguisher, but it quickly became obvious that the fire was out of control, being fanned by the breeze, so all I could was to pick up my clothes and get outside. It was horrendous and really upsetting – this is such a nice club, but the staff did well to get everyone out.” Cottesmore General Manager Johnny Porter said: “Our first objective was to ensure that everyone was safe and it was a great blessing that nobody was hurt. We’ve got a fantastic team here and we’re all pulling together to get as many activities as possible back up and running as quickly as we can.”
And, spare a thought for Richard and Bonnie, a pleasant young couple from Horsham who were due to be married at Cottesmore and have their reception there next week, with guests flying in from the States. Richard says: “Jackie at Cottesmore was brilliant with our arrangements and we made the booking a long time ago. We’re very sorry that we won’t be able to have our ceremony and celebrations there, but Cottesmore have been as helpful as they could be and we’ve managed to rearrange our wedding at a registry office and now need to find a venue to accommodate the 100 people coming to our reception!”
Source: The District Post
Members, staff and visitors are shocked and saddened by the substantial fire damage inflicted on the much loved Cottesmore Hotel, Spa and Country Club’s buildings in Buchan Hill between the villages of Colgate and Pease Pottage.
The fire service received calls for assistance at 17.03 on Monday and immediately attended to find a well developed and rapidly spreading fire with roaring flames and black smoke billowing skywards. A further 10 fire engines were deployed, along with specialist vehicles equipped with ladders and an aerial Ladder Platform. 60 firefighters were on site, working in shifts and specialist officers remained overnight and on Tuesday to continue damping down. Forensic investigations are underway to establish the cause of the blaze, which the fire service estimates to have severely damaged 50 per cent of the main building, extinguishment water and smoke also having taken their toll. The premises were evacuated and no injuries were reported.
The beautiful 19th Century building has a surprising history: it was originally a farm, with buildings (which became the clubhouse) built by some of the many French prisoners in Britain in 1815 at the end of the Napoleonic wars. The main building, where the fire occurred, was built in 1884.The golf course opened in 1975, with another course added in 1983 before, nine years later, the country club complex, complete with its superb indoor pool, health and beauty club and fully licensed function rooms came on stream. Nine hotel rooms were provided in 2002 and seven, two-bedroom holiday lodges in 2007. Prior to the fire work was in hand to further enhance the facilities for disabled members and visitors.
Roffey Cricket Club Chairman Mark Hamilton told the District Post: “I’ve been a member at Cottesmore for years and, on Monday, I had been in the gym and was heading for the pool when the fire broke out. I grabbed a fire extinguisher, but it quickly became obvious that the fire was out of control, being fanned by the breeze, so all I could was to pick up my clothes and get outside. It was horrendous and really upsetting – this is such a nice club, but the staff did well to get everyone out.” Cottesmore General Manager Johnny Porter said: “Our first objective was to ensure that everyone was safe and it was a great blessing that nobody was hurt. We’ve got a fantastic team here and we’re all pulling together to get as many activities as possible back up and running as quickly as we can.”
And, spare a thought for Richard and Bonnie, a pleasant young couple from Horsham who were due to be married at Cottesmore and have their reception there next week, with guests flying in from the States. Richard says: “Jackie at Cottesmore was brilliant with our arrangements and we made the booking a long time ago. We’re very sorry that we won’t be able to have our ceremony and celebrations there, but Cottesmore have been as helpful as they could be and we’ve managed to rearrange our wedding at a registry office and now need to find a venue to accommodate the 100 people coming to our reception!”
Source: The District Post
The roof of one of the buildings has been destroyed (Image: Salfords Fire Station)
9 June 2018 - Firefighters race to save The Old Crown pub in Faringdon
Firefighters raced to save an historic Oxfordshire pub from fire after a cigarette was dropped through a windowsill into a wall cavity. Three fire engines sped to the 18th century Grade II listed Crown hotel in Faringdon market place at about 4pm on Saturday, drawing crowds of onlookers onto the streets. Landlord Ian Everett, who has been at the pub for just 14 weeks, told the Oxford Mail he saw smoke coming from the second floor windowsill and raced upstairs. When he entered the guest bedroom he said it was full of smoke. After using water to try and douse the smoking sill unsuccessfully, he called 999 and used a fire extinguisher to tackle the fire again. As firefighters arrived, Mr Everett evacuated the building.
After making sure the fire was out, the officers from Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service then had to excavate the wooden sill, using a drill to get through the wood and into the cavity beneath. They then hoovered up the mess inside - which included the smouldering cigarette butt. Faringdon Fire Station manager Paul Webster confirmed that the small fire had been started by a cigarette. He said Mr Everett had tried to put the fire out himself, and said his team had finished off the job to ensure any further risk was eliminated. Mr Everett also revealed that he had the room in question redecorated just two weeks ago, and said it looked like he would be getting his decorator back in sooner than he expected.
Built in the 1700s as a traditional coaching inn, the Crown is now owned by Dominion Hospitality which also owns the George Hotel in Dorchester-on-Thames near Wallingford.
Source: Oxford Mail
Firefighters raced to save an historic Oxfordshire pub from fire after a cigarette was dropped through a windowsill into a wall cavity. Three fire engines sped to the 18th century Grade II listed Crown hotel in Faringdon market place at about 4pm on Saturday, drawing crowds of onlookers onto the streets. Landlord Ian Everett, who has been at the pub for just 14 weeks, told the Oxford Mail he saw smoke coming from the second floor windowsill and raced upstairs. When he entered the guest bedroom he said it was full of smoke. After using water to try and douse the smoking sill unsuccessfully, he called 999 and used a fire extinguisher to tackle the fire again. As firefighters arrived, Mr Everett evacuated the building.
After making sure the fire was out, the officers from Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service then had to excavate the wooden sill, using a drill to get through the wood and into the cavity beneath. They then hoovered up the mess inside - which included the smouldering cigarette butt. Faringdon Fire Station manager Paul Webster confirmed that the small fire had been started by a cigarette. He said Mr Everett had tried to put the fire out himself, and said his team had finished off the job to ensure any further risk was eliminated. Mr Everett also revealed that he had the room in question redecorated just two weeks ago, and said it looked like he would be getting his decorator back in sooner than he expected.
Built in the 1700s as a traditional coaching inn, the Crown is now owned by Dominion Hospitality which also owns the George Hotel in Dorchester-on-Thames near Wallingford.
Source: Oxford Mail
The fire started after a cigarette was dropped through a windowsill into a wall cavity.
6 June 2018 - Mandarin Oriental fire: Blaze at Knightsbridge hotel
A huge fire has broken out at a historic luxury hotel in central London a week after "the most extensive restoration in its 115-year history" was completed.
Plumes of smoke could be seen rising from the five-star Mandarin Oriental in Knightsbridge after firefighters were called just before 16:00 BST. A total of 250 hotel guests and 36 members of hotel staff were evacuated. The blaze reached several floors after spreading across "a vertical facade" containing plants, it is thought.
About 120 firefighters and 20 engines were to the scene in William Street, and "quickly extinguished" the blaze, the London Fire Brigade said. The cause of the fire is not yet known and firefighters are likely to remain at the scene through the night, a spokesperson said. Both the ambulance service and the Met Police also attended, although there were no reports of any injuries. After the blaze broke out on the roof, staff and guests were evacuated from the 12-storey building to nearby Hyde Park. One hotel worker, who asked not to be named, said: "The fire alarm started and everybody was told to get outside. Everything's fine but we don't know how it started yet."
Penelope Evans, 50, from Battersea, south London, was shopping in Harrods when she noticed the thick smoke. "I saw all this black smoke coming from the sky, it was covering everything and the smell was horrendous," she said. “It was like people were in shock, everyone immediately just started leaving the street and the area.There were hundreds of fire engines, ambulances, police racing by and helicopters overhead. After Grenfell, I feel like people are a lot more on edge about these things, people just wanted to get out." It is believed builders were on the roof of the hotel before the fire started.
Source: BBC News
Update: 11 June 2018 - London Fire Brigade today said: “The fire is believed to have been caused by the by-product of arc welding landing on the felt lining of the planting facade.”
The hotel had installed “green living walls” across five facades of its inner courtyard as part of its renovation.
The fire is believed to have spread across the vertical facade for plants and vegetation and into several floors of the hotel, before it was eventually brought under control at 9.51pm. The external planting facade was damaged along with small parts of several floors of the hotel, the roof and plant machinery on the roof.
A huge fire has broken out at a historic luxury hotel in central London a week after "the most extensive restoration in its 115-year history" was completed.
Plumes of smoke could be seen rising from the five-star Mandarin Oriental in Knightsbridge after firefighters were called just before 16:00 BST. A total of 250 hotel guests and 36 members of hotel staff were evacuated. The blaze reached several floors after spreading across "a vertical facade" containing plants, it is thought.
About 120 firefighters and 20 engines were to the scene in William Street, and "quickly extinguished" the blaze, the London Fire Brigade said. The cause of the fire is not yet known and firefighters are likely to remain at the scene through the night, a spokesperson said. Both the ambulance service and the Met Police also attended, although there were no reports of any injuries. After the blaze broke out on the roof, staff and guests were evacuated from the 12-storey building to nearby Hyde Park. One hotel worker, who asked not to be named, said: "The fire alarm started and everybody was told to get outside. Everything's fine but we don't know how it started yet."
Penelope Evans, 50, from Battersea, south London, was shopping in Harrods when she noticed the thick smoke. "I saw all this black smoke coming from the sky, it was covering everything and the smell was horrendous," she said. “It was like people were in shock, everyone immediately just started leaving the street and the area.There were hundreds of fire engines, ambulances, police racing by and helicopters overhead. After Grenfell, I feel like people are a lot more on edge about these things, people just wanted to get out." It is believed builders were on the roof of the hotel before the fire started.
Source: BBC News
Update: 11 June 2018 - London Fire Brigade today said: “The fire is believed to have been caused by the by-product of arc welding landing on the felt lining of the planting facade.”
The hotel had installed “green living walls” across five facades of its inner courtyard as part of its renovation.
The fire is believed to have spread across the vertical facade for plants and vegetation and into several floors of the hotel, before it was eventually brought under control at 9.51pm. The external planting facade was damaged along with small parts of several floors of the hotel, the roof and plant machinery on the roof.
Smoke billowing from the Mandarin Oriental Hotel, Knightsbridge.
3 June 2018 - Blaze at former Langley Preparatory School ‘entirely foreseeable’, town council claims
A blaze which ripped through a derelict historic 19th century former school in Thorpe St Andrew was “entirely foreseeable,” a council spokesman has claimed. Fire gutted part of the former Langley Preparatory School at Beech Hill, off Yarmouth Road, on Sunday in a suspected arson attack. It comes less than four years after arsonists targeted the nearby Pinebanks building, which is owned by the same developer.
The fire service was called to the school site at around 9.20pm, with around 40 firefighters tackling the blaze at its peak. Thomas Foreman, Thorpe St Andrew Town Council clerk, said there had been long-standing concern around the site’s future. “It is tragic that Thorpe has lost another historic building to arson on a site, that combined with Pinebanks, has 24-hour security,” he said. It was entirely foreseeable given the history of that site.”
Norfolk Fire and Rescue Service watch manager Kevin Flaxman said crews had been called to the site before in relation to smaller fires. Crews were scaled back at around 2am on Monday morning when it appeared the fire had been fully extinguished. Ocubis, development manager for site owner Berliet Ltd, said it spends £100,000 each year on security at the site. The company said it had made “considerable efforts” to protect the buildings against “extremely persistent and aggressive” criminal acts. A spokesman said three security staff are based 24/7 on the site in Old Thorpe House. The spokesman added that Berliet will review what action should be taken in regard to making the Beech Hill building safe if required.
It is understood the building has been derelict since 2010 when Langley moved to Thorpe House. In July 2016, the school merged with Taverham Hall School. Town Mayor John Fisher said: “It is annoying and we believe unnecessary because we thought they [the developers] had put in place sufficient security.” He said his concern was now for Thorpe St Andrew’s other historic buildings. He said he met with the developer - along with the town clerk - last year to “specifically” discuss the future of the building. “Our concern is now for the other historic buildings, such as the [Pinebanks] tower,” Mr Fisher said.
Watch manager Mr Flaxman said it was “pretty obvious” what had happened in regard to the fire. He said: “There has been a forced entry around the rear of the property, they have prised a door open and gone in through a first floor window. Other crews have been here previously to smaller fires.” Norfolk County Council said an investigation into the case of the fire was ongoing.
Nick Williams, secretary of the Thorpe History Group, said the Beech Hill building was believed to have been built in the mid 19th century. Between 1880 and 1895 it served as the home of Hugh Gurney Barclay, and was later purchased by George Morse around 1896. Mr Williams said it was during that time that the property changed its name from Bellvue to Beech Hill. He said there is record of Mr Morse entertaining the then Conservative prime minister Stanley Baldwin and his wife at Beech Hill house in the 1920s. Mr Morse lived there until 1931 when he died. He was said to be a very generous benefactor to Thorpe St Andrew. A park off Laundry Lane features the George Morse Pavilion. The house became a preparatory school after the Second World War. “It is extremely sad,” Mr Williams said. “We have lost another building which was important to the history of Thorpe St Andrew.”
Source: Eastern Daily Press
A blaze which ripped through a derelict historic 19th century former school in Thorpe St Andrew was “entirely foreseeable,” a council spokesman has claimed. Fire gutted part of the former Langley Preparatory School at Beech Hill, off Yarmouth Road, on Sunday in a suspected arson attack. It comes less than four years after arsonists targeted the nearby Pinebanks building, which is owned by the same developer.
The fire service was called to the school site at around 9.20pm, with around 40 firefighters tackling the blaze at its peak. Thomas Foreman, Thorpe St Andrew Town Council clerk, said there had been long-standing concern around the site’s future. “It is tragic that Thorpe has lost another historic building to arson on a site, that combined with Pinebanks, has 24-hour security,” he said. It was entirely foreseeable given the history of that site.”
Norfolk Fire and Rescue Service watch manager Kevin Flaxman said crews had been called to the site before in relation to smaller fires. Crews were scaled back at around 2am on Monday morning when it appeared the fire had been fully extinguished. Ocubis, development manager for site owner Berliet Ltd, said it spends £100,000 each year on security at the site. The company said it had made “considerable efforts” to protect the buildings against “extremely persistent and aggressive” criminal acts. A spokesman said three security staff are based 24/7 on the site in Old Thorpe House. The spokesman added that Berliet will review what action should be taken in regard to making the Beech Hill building safe if required.
It is understood the building has been derelict since 2010 when Langley moved to Thorpe House. In July 2016, the school merged with Taverham Hall School. Town Mayor John Fisher said: “It is annoying and we believe unnecessary because we thought they [the developers] had put in place sufficient security.” He said his concern was now for Thorpe St Andrew’s other historic buildings. He said he met with the developer - along with the town clerk - last year to “specifically” discuss the future of the building. “Our concern is now for the other historic buildings, such as the [Pinebanks] tower,” Mr Fisher said.
Watch manager Mr Flaxman said it was “pretty obvious” what had happened in regard to the fire. He said: “There has been a forced entry around the rear of the property, they have prised a door open and gone in through a first floor window. Other crews have been here previously to smaller fires.” Norfolk County Council said an investigation into the case of the fire was ongoing.
Nick Williams, secretary of the Thorpe History Group, said the Beech Hill building was believed to have been built in the mid 19th century. Between 1880 and 1895 it served as the home of Hugh Gurney Barclay, and was later purchased by George Morse around 1896. Mr Williams said it was during that time that the property changed its name from Bellvue to Beech Hill. He said there is record of Mr Morse entertaining the then Conservative prime minister Stanley Baldwin and his wife at Beech Hill house in the 1920s. Mr Morse lived there until 1931 when he died. He was said to be a very generous benefactor to Thorpe St Andrew. A park off Laundry Lane features the George Morse Pavilion. The house became a preparatory school after the Second World War. “It is extremely sad,” Mr Williams said. “We have lost another building which was important to the history of Thorpe St Andrew.”
Source: Eastern Daily Press
The fire as seen from the aerial platform at the former Thorpe House Langley Preparatory School site in Yarmouth Road, Thorpe St Andrew. (Picture: NFRS).
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May - 12 Fires
30 May 2018 - Bell ringers evacuated after flames 'eight feet tall' burst through pavement following explosion
A shocked group of bell ringers had to be evacuated from a church after flames eight feet tall burst through the pavement following an explosion. The area around Grade I listed St Martin's Church, in Front Street, Brampton, had to be cordoned off on Wednesday afternoon following what police called a "small electrical explosion". Police, firefighters and engineers from Electricity North West raced to the scene to try and avert any further danger. Eyewitnesses reported hearing a "loud bang" and seeing black smoke coming from the pavement next to the church.
AdChoicesWendy Griffiths, a member of the deanery synod for Brampton and the church's parochial council, was there at the time of the incident doing some work on the church's notice board. "In the first instance the flames were about eight feet and they appeared to be coming through the pavement," she told The Cumberland News. We were concerned it was from the church and the church was evacuated." Among those ushered out of the church was a group of visiting bell ringers from Hertfordshire who were doing a tour of bell towers and had just started their session in Brampton. Mrs Griffiths added: "There were two incidents. The fire came up through the pavement for some time but it then died down and restarted later. By the time the fire brigade got here the flames were down but it was still smoking."
Electricity North West (ENW) say the fire was caused by a fault on a piece of equipment underground, directly underneath the pavement. The engineers spent all day on site yesterday trying to repair the damage and the road remained closed. A spokesperson for ENW said that repair work would likely carry on into Friday. They added: “An underground cable fault caused the loss of supply to 60 customers in Brampton at 4pm on Wednesday. Our engineers quickly arrived on site to ensure the area was safe. They worked through the night and restored power to 27 customers at 9.30pm, another 27 customers at 11.30pm and the remaining six customers at midnight. The fault, which occurred on a piece of equipment underneath the pavement, caused smoke and external damage on site, but we would like to assure customers that incidents of this nature are extremely rare and we regularly maintain our underground network to ensure customers across the north west receive a reliable supply of electricity." They said Front Street will be reopened "as quickly as possible".
"We would like to thank Cumbria Police and Cumbria Fire and Rescue Service for their support and if customers would like any further information they can contact us on social media or on our website," the ENW spokesperson added. Fortunately there is no damage to the inside of the church. Mrs Griffiths continued: "The outside of the church, though, is blackened. At the moment we are waiting for ENW to complete their work.
Source: The Mail
A shocked group of bell ringers had to be evacuated from a church after flames eight feet tall burst through the pavement following an explosion. The area around Grade I listed St Martin's Church, in Front Street, Brampton, had to be cordoned off on Wednesday afternoon following what police called a "small electrical explosion". Police, firefighters and engineers from Electricity North West raced to the scene to try and avert any further danger. Eyewitnesses reported hearing a "loud bang" and seeing black smoke coming from the pavement next to the church.
AdChoicesWendy Griffiths, a member of the deanery synod for Brampton and the church's parochial council, was there at the time of the incident doing some work on the church's notice board. "In the first instance the flames were about eight feet and they appeared to be coming through the pavement," she told The Cumberland News. We were concerned it was from the church and the church was evacuated." Among those ushered out of the church was a group of visiting bell ringers from Hertfordshire who were doing a tour of bell towers and had just started their session in Brampton. Mrs Griffiths added: "There were two incidents. The fire came up through the pavement for some time but it then died down and restarted later. By the time the fire brigade got here the flames were down but it was still smoking."
Electricity North West (ENW) say the fire was caused by a fault on a piece of equipment underground, directly underneath the pavement. The engineers spent all day on site yesterday trying to repair the damage and the road remained closed. A spokesperson for ENW said that repair work would likely carry on into Friday. They added: “An underground cable fault caused the loss of supply to 60 customers in Brampton at 4pm on Wednesday. Our engineers quickly arrived on site to ensure the area was safe. They worked through the night and restored power to 27 customers at 9.30pm, another 27 customers at 11.30pm and the remaining six customers at midnight. The fault, which occurred on a piece of equipment underneath the pavement, caused smoke and external damage on site, but we would like to assure customers that incidents of this nature are extremely rare and we regularly maintain our underground network to ensure customers across the north west receive a reliable supply of electricity." They said Front Street will be reopened "as quickly as possible".
"We would like to thank Cumbria Police and Cumbria Fire and Rescue Service for their support and if customers would like any further information they can contact us on social media or on our website," the ENW spokesperson added. Fortunately there is no damage to the inside of the church. Mrs Griffiths continued: "The outside of the church, though, is blackened. At the moment we are waiting for ENW to complete their work.
Source: The Mail
Flames up the outside of the church wall.
29 May 2018 - Firefighters tackle house blaze in Haddington
Firefighters are tackling a house blaze which has broken out in the centre of Haddington. Several crews are at the scene after the blaze was reported at the large property at 5 The Sands earlier this morning. The former school is a Category C listed building.
Police have closed The Sands to the public and shut of Church Street to traffic. At least a dozen emergency vehicles are currently at the scene.
Smoke from the blaze can be seen across the town and, along with a morning mist, is causing visibility issues on some roads. Scottish Fire and Rescue Service said they were called to the scene at 7.21am. A spokesperson for the service said: "A number of fire engines were mobilised to The Sands and found the fire was well developed. There are no reported casualties.
Source: East Lothian Courier
Firefighters are tackling a house blaze which has broken out in the centre of Haddington. Several crews are at the scene after the blaze was reported at the large property at 5 The Sands earlier this morning. The former school is a Category C listed building.
Police have closed The Sands to the public and shut of Church Street to traffic. At least a dozen emergency vehicles are currently at the scene.
Smoke from the blaze can be seen across the town and, along with a morning mist, is causing visibility issues on some roads. Scottish Fire and Rescue Service said they were called to the scene at 7.21am. A spokesperson for the service said: "A number of fire engines were mobilised to The Sands and found the fire was well developed. There are no reported casualties.
Source: East Lothian Courier
Smoke visible from the roof of the listed building at The Sands
28 May 2018 - Arsonists blamed for fire which tore through
Grade II listed school
A fire which ripped through a Grade II listed Liverpool school was the work of arsonists - police believe.
Video footage taken in West Derby on Monday evening shows large flames ripping through St. Margaret Beavan on Almonds Green shortly after 6pm after reports of smoke coming from the area. The video, taken from behind the school, shows the large fire bursting from the derelict building, that is largely wooden. Thick black smoke can also be seen on the footage coming from the fire.
Residents in the area said they were told by firefighters to keep their windows closed until the fire was under control.A spokesperson from Merseyside Fire and Rescue said: “Firefighters have been called to a significant fire at St. Margaret Beavan school, Almonds Green, West Derby. Crews were alerted at 6.12pm and were on scene at 6.16pm. On arrival crews found a large fire at the largely wooden built school, a grade II listed building. Two fire crews, wearing breathing apparatus, were called to the incident and are currently fighting the fire with main jet hoses.
Today police confirmed that detectives were treating the fire "as suspected arson". Mersey Fire and Rescue Service were able to extinguish the fire and there was no reports of anyone being injured. CTV, forensic and house to house enquiries are ongoing to establish the full circumstances surrounding the fire. Residents nearby were urged to keep windows and doors closed and remain inside their homes.
Source: Liverpool Echo
Grade II listed school
A fire which ripped through a Grade II listed Liverpool school was the work of arsonists - police believe.
Video footage taken in West Derby on Monday evening shows large flames ripping through St. Margaret Beavan on Almonds Green shortly after 6pm after reports of smoke coming from the area. The video, taken from behind the school, shows the large fire bursting from the derelict building, that is largely wooden. Thick black smoke can also be seen on the footage coming from the fire.
Residents in the area said they were told by firefighters to keep their windows closed until the fire was under control.A spokesperson from Merseyside Fire and Rescue said: “Firefighters have been called to a significant fire at St. Margaret Beavan school, Almonds Green, West Derby. Crews were alerted at 6.12pm and were on scene at 6.16pm. On arrival crews found a large fire at the largely wooden built school, a grade II listed building. Two fire crews, wearing breathing apparatus, were called to the incident and are currently fighting the fire with main jet hoses.
Today police confirmed that detectives were treating the fire "as suspected arson". Mersey Fire and Rescue Service were able to extinguish the fire and there was no reports of anyone being injured. CTV, forensic and house to house enquiries are ongoing to establish the full circumstances surrounding the fire. Residents nearby were urged to keep windows and doors closed and remain inside their homes.
Source: Liverpool Echo
Large flames could be seen after a fire broke out at St. Margaret Beavan on Almonds Green, West Derby
27 May 2018 - Historic Carnsalloch House hit by third blaze in three years
A historic mansion house on the 'Scots buildings at risk' register has been damaged in a fire which police say appeared to have been started deliberately. Police are investigating the blaze at the derelict Carnsalloch House near Dumfries which has been described as a target for vandals, fire-raisers and drug-users. It is the third blaze to hit the building in three years. It has attracted visitors as a result of its reputation amongst some as "one of the most haunted buildings in Scotland". Police Scotland and the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service were alerted to the blaze at 7pm on Sunday. Police say from an initial investigation "it appears a fire has been deliberately started within one of the outbuildings, as well as within the main building."
In March, 2016, the Category A listed house suffered damage to the main part of the house at Kirkton, with floors and the roof burnt out following a fire. At the time of the 2016 fire, Detective Inspector Bryan Lee of Dumfries CID said: “Carnsalloch House is an isolated property to the east of Kirkton Village which has been unoccupied for some time. However, I am aware that local youths frequent the grounds of the property and there is information that in the past homeless people may have sheltered there. There is no information that anyone was sheltering within the house at the time of the fire, however, due to the condition of the building, neither the fire service nor the police are able to get access."
The mansion house at Kirkton was built in the middle of the 18th Century, with a number of extensions added over the years. From the late 1960s until about 2000 it was owned by the Leonard Cheshire foundation. Plans for a housing development at the site were rejected and two years ago the developers sought a council review of the decision. In 2015, another suspicious fire at the property destroyed an annexe built in the 1970s. Later the owner warned that the mansion may not survive another five years without extensive renovation.
Ian Foster applied to build six homes close to the building to fund the renovation of the house. But planners raised concerns that proposals do not meet a "high standard" of design. In 2007, the north wing suffered an alleged arson attack resulting in the loss of the roof and the west side of the wing. A further blazed damaged the main porch and ground floor of the main house, A security fence and security guard were said to have been placed on site during the summer of the following year to protect the property from vandalism.
Source: Herald Scotland
A historic mansion house on the 'Scots buildings at risk' register has been damaged in a fire which police say appeared to have been started deliberately. Police are investigating the blaze at the derelict Carnsalloch House near Dumfries which has been described as a target for vandals, fire-raisers and drug-users. It is the third blaze to hit the building in three years. It has attracted visitors as a result of its reputation amongst some as "one of the most haunted buildings in Scotland". Police Scotland and the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service were alerted to the blaze at 7pm on Sunday. Police say from an initial investigation "it appears a fire has been deliberately started within one of the outbuildings, as well as within the main building."
In March, 2016, the Category A listed house suffered damage to the main part of the house at Kirkton, with floors and the roof burnt out following a fire. At the time of the 2016 fire, Detective Inspector Bryan Lee of Dumfries CID said: “Carnsalloch House is an isolated property to the east of Kirkton Village which has been unoccupied for some time. However, I am aware that local youths frequent the grounds of the property and there is information that in the past homeless people may have sheltered there. There is no information that anyone was sheltering within the house at the time of the fire, however, due to the condition of the building, neither the fire service nor the police are able to get access."
The mansion house at Kirkton was built in the middle of the 18th Century, with a number of extensions added over the years. From the late 1960s until about 2000 it was owned by the Leonard Cheshire foundation. Plans for a housing development at the site were rejected and two years ago the developers sought a council review of the decision. In 2015, another suspicious fire at the property destroyed an annexe built in the 1970s. Later the owner warned that the mansion may not survive another five years without extensive renovation.
Ian Foster applied to build six homes close to the building to fund the renovation of the house. But planners raised concerns that proposals do not meet a "high standard" of design. In 2007, the north wing suffered an alleged arson attack resulting in the loss of the roof and the west side of the wing. A further blazed damaged the main porch and ground floor of the main house, A security fence and security guard were said to have been placed on site during the summer of the following year to protect the property from vandalism.
Source: Herald Scotland
The remains of Carnsalloch House (Photo: Police Scotland)
27 May 2018 - Lightning strikes Bantock Hall as thunderstorms roll in
The Midlands faced fierce lightning strikes as the “mother of all thunderstorms” rolled in across the UK overnight, meteorologists said. More than 500 weather-related calls were taken in southern parts of the country as the warm and humid bank holiday weather broke down into an “utterly intense” storm.
A fire started in part of the roof of Bantock House, in Wolverhampton, sparked by a lightning strike. A rapid response by the Fire Service and assertive fire fighting action managed to avert a large-scale blaze at the historic former manor house turned museum.
Bantock House was originally known as New Merridale Farm and is believed to have been built between 1734 and 1738. The building is a Grade II listed property with fine interiors, featuring elaborate plaster ceilings, wood panelling and Delft fire places in the Arts and Crafts style.
Thomas Bantock bought the house in 1867 and it remained in the Bantock family until the death of Alderman A. B. Bantock in 1938 had no children and bequeathed Merridale House and its 43 acres to his wife, with the understanding that on her death it should be given to Wolverhampton Borough Council. Although Mrs. Bantock was to survive her husband by some sixteen years, she donated the house and land to Wolverhampton very soon after his death. During the 1939-45 War, Bantock House was used by the Home Guard after being requisitioned for military use during World War II. After the war the corporation decided to turn the house into a museum and, after necessary renovation work, and on 22nd April 1948 it was officially opened by Mrs. Jessie Sankey (one of A.B. Bantock's sisters) as Bantock House Museum.
Source: Shropshire Star
The Midlands faced fierce lightning strikes as the “mother of all thunderstorms” rolled in across the UK overnight, meteorologists said. More than 500 weather-related calls were taken in southern parts of the country as the warm and humid bank holiday weather broke down into an “utterly intense” storm.
A fire started in part of the roof of Bantock House, in Wolverhampton, sparked by a lightning strike. A rapid response by the Fire Service and assertive fire fighting action managed to avert a large-scale blaze at the historic former manor house turned museum.
Bantock House was originally known as New Merridale Farm and is believed to have been built between 1734 and 1738. The building is a Grade II listed property with fine interiors, featuring elaborate plaster ceilings, wood panelling and Delft fire places in the Arts and Crafts style.
Thomas Bantock bought the house in 1867 and it remained in the Bantock family until the death of Alderman A. B. Bantock in 1938 had no children and bequeathed Merridale House and its 43 acres to his wife, with the understanding that on her death it should be given to Wolverhampton Borough Council. Although Mrs. Bantock was to survive her husband by some sixteen years, she donated the house and land to Wolverhampton very soon after his death. During the 1939-45 War, Bantock House was used by the Home Guard after being requisitioned for military use during World War II. After the war the corporation decided to turn the house into a museum and, after necessary renovation work, and on 22nd April 1948 it was officially opened by Mrs. Jessie Sankey (one of A.B. Bantock's sisters) as Bantock House Museum.
Source: Shropshire Star
Bantock House Museum where lightning struck the roof.
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The entry points of the lightning strike (Picture: Wolverhampton Blue Watch)
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24 May 2018 - Fire at three-storey former St Teresa's Home shop, Darlington
A man was rescued "in the nick of time" by firefighters after a major fire broke out in Darlington town centre. The fire broken out in the early hours of Thursday morning with the building "collapsing" around the rescuers. It is understood the fire started around 4am.
The fire was at the former St T's Home Shop on Skinnergate, Darlington. The property has been empty for around a year. Emergency services remain at the scene whilst gas and electricity supplies are isolated, and all "hotspots" are dealt with. A full investigation into the cause of the fire is expected to begin tomorrow.
The late 18th Century building is still known locally as “Wildsmith’s” after the high class grocery shop that occupied it for more than 100 years. It was run by the family of the incoming managing director of Darlington council, Paul Wildsmith, until it was sold in March 1979. George Wildsmith moved his business into the shop exactly 150 years ago this month. The three-storey building was already standing and he lived on the first floor with his wife Elizabeth. His grocery apprentices lived on the top floor where he could keep an eye on them. Wildsmith’s closed on February 24, 1979, when the third generation of grocers retired.
Speaking to the Northern Echo earlier on Thursday morning, County Durham Fire and Rescue Service Area Manager Steve Wharton said: "When we arrived we found a shop unit with three floors. "The first and second floor and the roof were well alight and we have now got five fire engines here dealing with the incident. Our crews did a sterling job to knock down the fire and get it controlled as soon as we possibly could. We also deployed a fire fighting team wearing breathing apparatus who were able to rescue one person from inside the building."
Louise Dobson of Skinnergate News, which is situated just outside the cordon, said: "It is definitely a bit of a shock. Obviously Skinnergate has been in the news quite a lot about how quiet it is with no shoppers around. And now people will be avoiding it today, it isn’t very good. I would say this is the first incident I have seen like this in ten years of working here. They keep putting water on the building and I expect they’ll be here for a long time yet."
Source: The Northern Echo
A man was rescued "in the nick of time" by firefighters after a major fire broke out in Darlington town centre. The fire broken out in the early hours of Thursday morning with the building "collapsing" around the rescuers. It is understood the fire started around 4am.
The fire was at the former St T's Home Shop on Skinnergate, Darlington. The property has been empty for around a year. Emergency services remain at the scene whilst gas and electricity supplies are isolated, and all "hotspots" are dealt with. A full investigation into the cause of the fire is expected to begin tomorrow.
The late 18th Century building is still known locally as “Wildsmith’s” after the high class grocery shop that occupied it for more than 100 years. It was run by the family of the incoming managing director of Darlington council, Paul Wildsmith, until it was sold in March 1979. George Wildsmith moved his business into the shop exactly 150 years ago this month. The three-storey building was already standing and he lived on the first floor with his wife Elizabeth. His grocery apprentices lived on the top floor where he could keep an eye on them. Wildsmith’s closed on February 24, 1979, when the third generation of grocers retired.
Speaking to the Northern Echo earlier on Thursday morning, County Durham Fire and Rescue Service Area Manager Steve Wharton said: "When we arrived we found a shop unit with three floors. "The first and second floor and the roof were well alight and we have now got five fire engines here dealing with the incident. Our crews did a sterling job to knock down the fire and get it controlled as soon as we possibly could. We also deployed a fire fighting team wearing breathing apparatus who were able to rescue one person from inside the building."
Louise Dobson of Skinnergate News, which is situated just outside the cordon, said: "It is definitely a bit of a shock. Obviously Skinnergate has been in the news quite a lot about how quiet it is with no shoppers around. And now people will be avoiding it today, it isn’t very good. I would say this is the first incident I have seen like this in ten years of working here. They keep putting water on the building and I expect they’ll be here for a long time yet."
Source: The Northern Echo
Firemen tackle fire at Skinnergate, Darlington
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The Wildsmith’s grocery shop on Skinnergate when it closed in February 1979
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16 May 2018 - Starworks Warehouse blaze tackled by 40 firefighters in Wolverhampton
Forty firefighters have tackled a blaze at popular Wolverhampton music and events venue Starworks Warehouse today. Crews from across the Midlands were called to Frederick Street, Blakenhall, at around 7.45am. West Midlands Fire Service say the blaze was inside the two-storey venue. The blaze happened in the 40,000 sqft building near the St John's Retail Park.
Firefighters wore breathing apparatus to get close enough to quell the flames inside. Crews from Wolverhampton, Fallings Park, Bilston, Dudley, West Bromwich and Tipton stations were at the scene at the height of the fire.
Starworks Warehouse is based in the Grade II listed former factory of the Star Motor Company. The building, originally known as Moxley Foundry, was home to the motor company which was one of the first mass production car companies in the UK. The site dates back to 1903. The building was transformed into a music and events venue in 2016.
Crew commander Warren Davies, of West Midlands Fire Service, said of the building: “It was secure when we got here. Until we have a real rummage round we can’t say what it is - it’s not looking like it’s arson. We cordoned off the area. It’s business as normal for other units and factories. We have got to speak to the owner now that the smoke has cleared. It could have been a different story but the calls were made early.”
Nearby car park manager Stuart Miller, aged 46, from Wolverhampton, made the original call to the building's owners. He said: "The next thing I know a man from Starworks arrived with keys. He entered the building and said it was full of smoke. I could see just smoke and no flames. I have been here 10 years and this is the first fire I’ve seen. Chubby Brown is down in two weeks but whether the main venue has been affected I don’t know. I have lost trade this morning. My customers are people who work in the city centre.”
Source: Express and Star
Forty firefighters have tackled a blaze at popular Wolverhampton music and events venue Starworks Warehouse today. Crews from across the Midlands were called to Frederick Street, Blakenhall, at around 7.45am. West Midlands Fire Service say the blaze was inside the two-storey venue. The blaze happened in the 40,000 sqft building near the St John's Retail Park.
Firefighters wore breathing apparatus to get close enough to quell the flames inside. Crews from Wolverhampton, Fallings Park, Bilston, Dudley, West Bromwich and Tipton stations were at the scene at the height of the fire.
Starworks Warehouse is based in the Grade II listed former factory of the Star Motor Company. The building, originally known as Moxley Foundry, was home to the motor company which was one of the first mass production car companies in the UK. The site dates back to 1903. The building was transformed into a music and events venue in 2016.
Crew commander Warren Davies, of West Midlands Fire Service, said of the building: “It was secure when we got here. Until we have a real rummage round we can’t say what it is - it’s not looking like it’s arson. We cordoned off the area. It’s business as normal for other units and factories. We have got to speak to the owner now that the smoke has cleared. It could have been a different story but the calls were made early.”
Nearby car park manager Stuart Miller, aged 46, from Wolverhampton, made the original call to the building's owners. He said: "The next thing I know a man from Starworks arrived with keys. He entered the building and said it was full of smoke. I could see just smoke and no flames. I have been here 10 years and this is the first fire I’ve seen. Chubby Brown is down in two weeks but whether the main venue has been affected I don’t know. I have lost trade this morning. My customers are people who work in the city centre.”
Source: Express and Star
Fire crews at the scene outside Starworks Warehouse in Blakenhall, Wolverhampton
16 May 2018 - 'Bitter disappointment' following suspected arson attack on historic Co Tyrone building
SDLP MLA Daniel McCrossan has spoken of his 'bitter disappointment following another suspected arson attack on Herdman's Mill in Sion Mills. The West Tyrone MLA called on public authorities to intervene to protect this complex of Category B+ listed buildings.
The fire started earlier this evening and is still being dealt with by the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service. Three appliances and one aerial appliance are at the scene.
A major fire in 2011 caused extensive damage to the building. In 2014, Herdman's Mill was bought by Strabane woman Margaret Loughrey for £1m after she won almost £27m in the Euromillions lottery draw. In October 2015, the historic mill complex was again seriously damaged in a blaze. Three more fires between June and August 2016 caused further serious damage including the complete destruction of a magnificent wooden staircase.
“It is bitterly disappointing to learn of yet another fire at the Herdman's site. This is a hugely important and historical site in Tyrone which has been subjected to a spate of arson attacks in the last few years," Mr McCrossan said. “The people of Sion Mills and the wider area are fed up with the Mill being left in ruins and are upset that a large piece of their history has literally gone up in flames. Something has to be done about this. I have engaged with various Departments in the past to take ownership of the site and put it in the hands of local people. If action is not taken, I fear there will literally be nothing left of the Mill and the history attributed to it.”
Source: Belfast Telegraph
SDLP MLA Daniel McCrossan has spoken of his 'bitter disappointment following another suspected arson attack on Herdman's Mill in Sion Mills. The West Tyrone MLA called on public authorities to intervene to protect this complex of Category B+ listed buildings.
The fire started earlier this evening and is still being dealt with by the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service. Three appliances and one aerial appliance are at the scene.
A major fire in 2011 caused extensive damage to the building. In 2014, Herdman's Mill was bought by Strabane woman Margaret Loughrey for £1m after she won almost £27m in the Euromillions lottery draw. In October 2015, the historic mill complex was again seriously damaged in a blaze. Three more fires between June and August 2016 caused further serious damage including the complete destruction of a magnificent wooden staircase.
“It is bitterly disappointing to learn of yet another fire at the Herdman's site. This is a hugely important and historical site in Tyrone which has been subjected to a spate of arson attacks in the last few years," Mr McCrossan said. “The people of Sion Mills and the wider area are fed up with the Mill being left in ruins and are upset that a large piece of their history has literally gone up in flames. Something has to be done about this. I have engaged with various Departments in the past to take ownership of the site and put it in the hands of local people. If action is not taken, I fear there will literally be nothing left of the Mill and the history attributed to it.”
Source: Belfast Telegraph
Herdman's Mill has been targeted in a suspected arson attack.
9 May 2018 - Gym in historic building destroyed by major fire
A gym housed in an historic building has been seriously damaged by a fire in a small town near the Devon border with Somerset. Fire crews from across the two counties were called to Rosemary Lane in Dulverton on 10.21am on Wednesday. The building, home to Exmoor Fitness Centre at the Parish Rooms, was severely damaged by the fire which started in a roof space.
This is what the fire service have had to say about the incident: “Fire appliances from Dulverton, Tiverton, Wiveliscombe and South Molton attended a fire in the roof space of a two storey hall. On arrival crews confirmed the building heavily smoke logged and got to work with two breathing apparatus and one hose reel jet. When back up arrived, breathing apparatus increased to four, with two hose reel jets tackling the fire and ventilation also in progress. Breathing apparatus then increased to six wearers, with crews using ceiling hooks, a ladder, and hose reels to gain access to the fire in order to extinguish it fully, and ventilate the building. Western Power were requested to attend to isolate the power to the property, and police for a road closure. At 11.57am, crews stated that the incident would soon be scaled down to two appliances. The building had been severely damaged by the fire, which was deemed to be caused by an electrical fault in the roof space. A fire investigation officer was requested to attend to confirm this. Crews used a total of six breathing apparatus, two hose reel jets, one safety jet tapped into a hydrant, a thermal imaging camera, ladders, and a positive pressure fan.”
Source: Devon Live
A gym housed in an historic building has been seriously damaged by a fire in a small town near the Devon border with Somerset. Fire crews from across the two counties were called to Rosemary Lane in Dulverton on 10.21am on Wednesday. The building, home to Exmoor Fitness Centre at the Parish Rooms, was severely damaged by the fire which started in a roof space.
This is what the fire service have had to say about the incident: “Fire appliances from Dulverton, Tiverton, Wiveliscombe and South Molton attended a fire in the roof space of a two storey hall. On arrival crews confirmed the building heavily smoke logged and got to work with two breathing apparatus and one hose reel jet. When back up arrived, breathing apparatus increased to four, with two hose reel jets tackling the fire and ventilation also in progress. Breathing apparatus then increased to six wearers, with crews using ceiling hooks, a ladder, and hose reels to gain access to the fire in order to extinguish it fully, and ventilate the building. Western Power were requested to attend to isolate the power to the property, and police for a road closure. At 11.57am, crews stated that the incident would soon be scaled down to two appliances. The building had been severely damaged by the fire, which was deemed to be caused by an electrical fault in the roof space. A fire investigation officer was requested to attend to confirm this. Crews used a total of six breathing apparatus, two hose reel jets, one safety jet tapped into a hydrant, a thermal imaging camera, ladders, and a positive pressure fan.”
Source: Devon Live
Fire crews assessing the damage earlier (Image: Tiverton Fire Station)
7 May 2018 - New Inn in Gloucester seriously damaged by fire which spread to roof
Scores of firefighters have been battling to save one of the Gloucester's oldest buildings since the early hours of this morning. About 50 guests were evacuated at about 1am when a fire was discovered in the New Inn in Northgate Street.
999 calls started coming in shortly after 1am, with firefighters and police quickly on the scene. Ten fire crews were on scene until just before 6am getting the situation under control. Police remain there this morning.
Crews have been rotating shifts entering the Grade I listed site while a mobile platform has been seen attempting to douse flames from above the historic building. All guests have been accounted for and many have been escorted to the Station Hotel which is being used as emergency accommodation.
It is not believed anybody was seriously harmed in the ongoing incident but a police spokesman said the building had sustained significant damage. Gloucestershire Fire & Rescue Service said the building has suffered 20 per cent damage. The fire started on the ground floor and spread through the three storeys to the roof.
Built in 1450, the New Inn is one of Gloucester's oldest buildings. The timber-framed structure in Northgate Street was originally built as a hostelry for pilgrims visiting the Abbey of St Peter. In 1553 Lady Jane Grey was proclaimed as Queen from one of the building's wooden galleries by the Abbot of Gloucester. It is also rumoured to have hosted a performance by William Shakespeare and the Lord Chamberlain's Men. The famous courtyard is one of the most complete examples of a medieval courtyard inn with galleries left in the UK. The Inn is said to be haunted by several ghosts.
Source: Gloucestershire Live
Scores of firefighters have been battling to save one of the Gloucester's oldest buildings since the early hours of this morning. About 50 guests were evacuated at about 1am when a fire was discovered in the New Inn in Northgate Street.
999 calls started coming in shortly after 1am, with firefighters and police quickly on the scene. Ten fire crews were on scene until just before 6am getting the situation under control. Police remain there this morning.
Crews have been rotating shifts entering the Grade I listed site while a mobile platform has been seen attempting to douse flames from above the historic building. All guests have been accounted for and many have been escorted to the Station Hotel which is being used as emergency accommodation.
It is not believed anybody was seriously harmed in the ongoing incident but a police spokesman said the building had sustained significant damage. Gloucestershire Fire & Rescue Service said the building has suffered 20 per cent damage. The fire started on the ground floor and spread through the three storeys to the roof.
Built in 1450, the New Inn is one of Gloucester's oldest buildings. The timber-framed structure in Northgate Street was originally built as a hostelry for pilgrims visiting the Abbey of St Peter. In 1553 Lady Jane Grey was proclaimed as Queen from one of the building's wooden galleries by the Abbot of Gloucester. It is also rumoured to have hosted a performance by William Shakespeare and the Lord Chamberlain's Men. The famous courtyard is one of the most complete examples of a medieval courtyard inn with galleries left in the UK. The Inn is said to be haunted by several ghosts.
Source: Gloucestershire Live
Fire damage to the roof of The New Inn, Gloucester
6 May 2018 - Fire at Mallams on Weymouth harbourside
Black smoke could be seen over Weymouth harbourside this morning as a fire broke out at a quayside restaurant. Passers-by said the fire broke out at the rear of Mallams restaurant on Trinity Road. A spokesman for Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service said the brigade was alerted at 7.06am today. He said: "We attended a fire at a restaurant on Trinity Road. Four fire engines were requested, two from Weymouth and two from Portland stations, to assist with firefighting action. Crews had to force entry to the building. There was a fire on the ground floor which was extinguished by crews wearing breathing apparatus and using jets.The Portland crews have since left the scene but the Weymouth crews have remained, with an officer in attendance, damping down and ensuring the scene is safe."
Dave Taylor was walking his dog in the area and called 999. He said: "The fire service had trouble getting to the fire, which appeared to be an extractor unit above the kitchen. A crew went to the rear, in Trinity Terrace, and laid a hose so they could fight it from the back, but a team with breathing gear broke through just as they got the hose connected.A house next door was also entered by the crews breaking down the door."
A post on Mallams Facebook page says: "We are sorry to tell you all that we have had a fire at Mallams. It was in the kitchen and we are working hard to clear the mess up but won’t be open for a while. Thanks to all our lovely neighbours and friends who have helped and especially the fantastic #DWFire team who have been amazing. They have refashioned the building and the front door! We will keep you updated when we know more."
The building, at number 5 Trinity Road, dates back to the early 18th century and is Grade II listed. Its listing describes it as “an important earlier survival, with a particularly fine display window.”
Source: Dorset Echo
Update: 20 January 2019 - The owners of Mallams have announced, after 28 years on Weymouth’s harbourside, the restaurant will not reopen after a fire broke out in the kitchen on May 6, 2018 causing ‘significant damage’ to the roof and kitchen. Owners, Janice and Steve Gosson said at the time of the fire the restaurant would reopen in due course but they have now announced they have decided to retire. In a statement made on their website, Mr and Mrs Gosson said: “It is with deep sadness that after twenty eight years we must bid you all farewell. We have decided in the light of the fire which we had in May 2018 that the time has come to retire. We have had an absolute ball, serving amazing food, making fabulous cocktails and welcoming the most loyal and lovely guests, many of whom who been coming since 1990. We have been honoured to serve you all and been such an asset to the dining scene in Weymouth.”
Black smoke could be seen over Weymouth harbourside this morning as a fire broke out at a quayside restaurant. Passers-by said the fire broke out at the rear of Mallams restaurant on Trinity Road. A spokesman for Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service said the brigade was alerted at 7.06am today. He said: "We attended a fire at a restaurant on Trinity Road. Four fire engines were requested, two from Weymouth and two from Portland stations, to assist with firefighting action. Crews had to force entry to the building. There was a fire on the ground floor which was extinguished by crews wearing breathing apparatus and using jets.The Portland crews have since left the scene but the Weymouth crews have remained, with an officer in attendance, damping down and ensuring the scene is safe."
Dave Taylor was walking his dog in the area and called 999. He said: "The fire service had trouble getting to the fire, which appeared to be an extractor unit above the kitchen. A crew went to the rear, in Trinity Terrace, and laid a hose so they could fight it from the back, but a team with breathing gear broke through just as they got the hose connected.A house next door was also entered by the crews breaking down the door."
A post on Mallams Facebook page says: "We are sorry to tell you all that we have had a fire at Mallams. It was in the kitchen and we are working hard to clear the mess up but won’t be open for a while. Thanks to all our lovely neighbours and friends who have helped and especially the fantastic #DWFire team who have been amazing. They have refashioned the building and the front door! We will keep you updated when we know more."
The building, at number 5 Trinity Road, dates back to the early 18th century and is Grade II listed. Its listing describes it as “an important earlier survival, with a particularly fine display window.”
Source: Dorset Echo
Update: 20 January 2019 - The owners of Mallams have announced, after 28 years on Weymouth’s harbourside, the restaurant will not reopen after a fire broke out in the kitchen on May 6, 2018 causing ‘significant damage’ to the roof and kitchen. Owners, Janice and Steve Gosson said at the time of the fire the restaurant would reopen in due course but they have now announced they have decided to retire. In a statement made on their website, Mr and Mrs Gosson said: “It is with deep sadness that after twenty eight years we must bid you all farewell. We have decided in the light of the fire which we had in May 2018 that the time has come to retire. We have had an absolute ball, serving amazing food, making fabulous cocktails and welcoming the most loyal and lovely guests, many of whom who been coming since 1990. We have been honoured to serve you all and been such an asset to the dining scene in Weymouth.”
Mallams occupies an early 18th century house.
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The fire was in ducting in the kitchen.
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5 May 2018 - Shock and sadness reaction after historic rangers hut goes up in flames
Firefighters were called to a huge blaze at St Nicholas Park after the historic rangers hut went up in flames.
Crews raced to the building on Banbury Road in Warwick at around 3am on Saturday (May 5) after receiving calls it was alight. Firefighters say they were at the scene for ‘some time’ extinguishing the blaze, which completely destroyed the hut which was used by district park rangers.
The hut was built in 1913 – 30 years before the park actually opened.
The cause of the fire had not been reported at the time The Observer went to press, although we were told there were no reports of anyone being evacuated from the two neighbouring cottages. Warwick District Council neighbourhood spokeswoman Coun Moira-Ann Grainger said: “The ranger hut was used on a daily basis as a base for our rangers who patrol the park and car parks in Warwick. Our priority over the bank holiday weekend was to make the area safe for park users and neighbouring properties. We are extremely disappointed that such an old building has been destroyed by fire, we are awaiting the results of the fire investigation before work begins to clear the site. No decision has been made at this stage about whether the hut will be replaced.”
Friends of St Nicholas Park spoke out about the loss of the hut. A spokeswoman said: “We are saddened we have lost part of the park’s heritage. We are fortunate that some of the historic buildings still remain and it is so important to preserve them for all of us to enjoy.”
Shock and sadness was also expressed on social media. Shane Jennings said: “That’s made me really sad. It’s been there since I was a kid.” Lani Wong added: “I loved seeing people sitting outside this lovely little hut on my way through the park.” And Michael Perry said: “So sad, so many happy memories of St Nicks as we used to call it.”
Source: Leamington Observer
Firefighters were called to a huge blaze at St Nicholas Park after the historic rangers hut went up in flames.
Crews raced to the building on Banbury Road in Warwick at around 3am on Saturday (May 5) after receiving calls it was alight. Firefighters say they were at the scene for ‘some time’ extinguishing the blaze, which completely destroyed the hut which was used by district park rangers.
The hut was built in 1913 – 30 years before the park actually opened.
The cause of the fire had not been reported at the time The Observer went to press, although we were told there were no reports of anyone being evacuated from the two neighbouring cottages. Warwick District Council neighbourhood spokeswoman Coun Moira-Ann Grainger said: “The ranger hut was used on a daily basis as a base for our rangers who patrol the park and car parks in Warwick. Our priority over the bank holiday weekend was to make the area safe for park users and neighbouring properties. We are extremely disappointed that such an old building has been destroyed by fire, we are awaiting the results of the fire investigation before work begins to clear the site. No decision has been made at this stage about whether the hut will be replaced.”
Friends of St Nicholas Park spoke out about the loss of the hut. A spokeswoman said: “We are saddened we have lost part of the park’s heritage. We are fortunate that some of the historic buildings still remain and it is so important to preserve them for all of us to enjoy.”
Shock and sadness was also expressed on social media. Shane Jennings said: “That’s made me really sad. It’s been there since I was a kid.” Lani Wong added: “I loved seeing people sitting outside this lovely little hut on my way through the park.” And Michael Perry said: “So sad, so many happy memories of St Nicks as we used to call it.”
Source: Leamington Observer
The historic Rangers hut has been completely destroyed by the fire
Heritage & Ecclesiastical Fire Protection
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April - 15 Fires
29 April 2018 - Emergency services called to electric fire in Stockbridge restaurant
Emergency services were called to deal with a fire in a Stockbridge restaurant on Sunday morning. Lancers, an Indian restaurant on Dean Bank Lane, saw an electric fire break out in their hot plate area. At least twelve firefighters attended the scene and the blaze was quickly extinguished. Nobody was hurt in the incident and Lancers have said that they will be open for business as usual. The restaurant, which has been open for 33 years, had recently undergone a refurbishment.
The restaurant Occupies No 5 Hamilton Square and No 1 Dean Bank Lane and lies within the New Town Conservation Area. No 5 Hamilton Square is Category B listed together with No 3, which is now a public toilets. They were built in 1831, designed by Thomas Brown, as a pair of single Storey overbasements for the police. No 3 has blind elliptical arched recesses in each bay now with altered openings, No 5 has a central door with "No 5" on a panel above.
News Source: Edinburgh Evening News
Emergency services were called to deal with a fire in a Stockbridge restaurant on Sunday morning. Lancers, an Indian restaurant on Dean Bank Lane, saw an electric fire break out in their hot plate area. At least twelve firefighters attended the scene and the blaze was quickly extinguished. Nobody was hurt in the incident and Lancers have said that they will be open for business as usual. The restaurant, which has been open for 33 years, had recently undergone a refurbishment.
The restaurant Occupies No 5 Hamilton Square and No 1 Dean Bank Lane and lies within the New Town Conservation Area. No 5 Hamilton Square is Category B listed together with No 3, which is now a public toilets. They were built in 1831, designed by Thomas Brown, as a pair of single Storey overbasements for the police. No 3 has blind elliptical arched recesses in each bay now with altered openings, No 5 has a central door with "No 5" on a panel above.
News Source: Edinburgh Evening News
Fire services attend the scene. (Picture: Martin Little)
29 April 2018 - Sheffield's most historic 'haunted' pub damaged in arson attack
Sheffield's most historic and haunted pub, dating back to 1176, has been damaged in an arson attack. Petrol or oil was thrown through a window at Carbrook Hall, Attercliffe, in the early hours of last Sunday - causing smoke and fire damage inside the Grade II* listed building. Firefighters extinguished the flames and an investigation established that the blaze was started deliberately.
Carbrook Hall on Atterclife Common was originally an ancestral family home and later turned into a pub. Leading parliamentarian John Bright owned the building during the Civil War and talks took place there ahead of the siege of Sheffield Castle.It is renowned as one of South Yorkshire's most-haunted buildings, with reports of mischievous spirits throwing bottles around and ghostly apparitions.
The pub closed in February 2017 when it was bought by West Street Leisure, with the new owners insisting that they are keen for the historic building to be preserved, brought back into use and 'into the 21st century'. A multi-national company is in talks with the owners and possible plans for the building are being drawn up. The building is registered as an 'asset of community value', making it harder for the owners to sell, demolish or change the use of the premises.
Director Sean Fogg said he is devastated at the blaze."The building is steeped in history, it is a massive historical asset for Sheffield," he said."We initially had talks with Sheffield Council about Carbrook Hall becoming a museum but the money for that was not there and I respect that council's decision but while it has been empty we have had four break-ins and now the fire. I am devastated at the damage. The wood panelling and interiors are irreplaceable. Once they have gone they are lost forever. It needs to be brought into the 21st century and used again. It doesn't work as a pub but it is all happening in that area and could work in many other ways. I don't want a supermarket or apartments but it could work as a a quirky cafe bar or an eatery. We want it restored so that the whole of Sheffield can benefit and appreciate the splendour of the building again."
Brian Holmshaw, of Sheaf Valley Heritage, who campaigned for the building to be kept as a pub as an 'asset of community value', said he is disappointed at the arson attack."We tried to keep it open as a pub because if you keep buildings like this open the likelihood of this sort of thing happening is far less likely. "This is something we feared as this is what happens when you board up historic buildings and leave them. Historic England needs to be notified immediately. They will need to send a team in to assess the damage because there are various areas inside where the heritage value is enormous."
A South Yorkshire Police spokeswoman said: "It was reported that something was thrown through the window causing the property to set alight."
Source: The Star
Sheffield's most historic and haunted pub, dating back to 1176, has been damaged in an arson attack. Petrol or oil was thrown through a window at Carbrook Hall, Attercliffe, in the early hours of last Sunday - causing smoke and fire damage inside the Grade II* listed building. Firefighters extinguished the flames and an investigation established that the blaze was started deliberately.
Carbrook Hall on Atterclife Common was originally an ancestral family home and later turned into a pub. Leading parliamentarian John Bright owned the building during the Civil War and talks took place there ahead of the siege of Sheffield Castle.It is renowned as one of South Yorkshire's most-haunted buildings, with reports of mischievous spirits throwing bottles around and ghostly apparitions.
The pub closed in February 2017 when it was bought by West Street Leisure, with the new owners insisting that they are keen for the historic building to be preserved, brought back into use and 'into the 21st century'. A multi-national company is in talks with the owners and possible plans for the building are being drawn up. The building is registered as an 'asset of community value', making it harder for the owners to sell, demolish or change the use of the premises.
Director Sean Fogg said he is devastated at the blaze."The building is steeped in history, it is a massive historical asset for Sheffield," he said."We initially had talks with Sheffield Council about Carbrook Hall becoming a museum but the money for that was not there and I respect that council's decision but while it has been empty we have had four break-ins and now the fire. I am devastated at the damage. The wood panelling and interiors are irreplaceable. Once they have gone they are lost forever. It needs to be brought into the 21st century and used again. It doesn't work as a pub but it is all happening in that area and could work in many other ways. I don't want a supermarket or apartments but it could work as a a quirky cafe bar or an eatery. We want it restored so that the whole of Sheffield can benefit and appreciate the splendour of the building again."
Brian Holmshaw, of Sheaf Valley Heritage, who campaigned for the building to be kept as a pub as an 'asset of community value', said he is disappointed at the arson attack."We tried to keep it open as a pub because if you keep buildings like this open the likelihood of this sort of thing happening is far less likely. "This is something we feared as this is what happens when you board up historic buildings and leave them. Historic England needs to be notified immediately. They will need to send a team in to assess the damage because there are various areas inside where the heritage value is enormous."
A South Yorkshire Police spokeswoman said: "It was reported that something was thrown through the window causing the property to set alight."
Source: The Star
Carbrook Hall, Sheffield
27 April 2018 - Pictures show scale of second fire this month at historic former Fisons site
A statement on Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service’s Facebook page said: “We are currently in attendance at a derelict building fire on Paper Mill Lane in Bramford. Five fire appliances and the Aerial Ladder Platform are at the scene. Crews from Ipswich, Needham Market, Stowmarket, and Woodbridge have worked extremely hard under challenging conditions to contain the fire which is now under control. We will be remaining on scene for some time damping down, therefore Paper Mill Lane remains closed to all traffic between Claydon and Bramford.” It’s the second fire at the Grade II listed site in less than a month.
Kelvin Dakin from the Save the Northern Warehouse group, which aims to protect the site, said that he had been down to the site this morning and confirmed that the damage had been done to a building to the south of the site and was not one of the listed structures. “It’s only a matter of time before there’s a fire in the main building,” said Mr Dakin, “I feel very angry.” It’s not clear at this stage what caused the fire.
Source: East Anglian Daily Times
A statement on Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service’s Facebook page said: “We are currently in attendance at a derelict building fire on Paper Mill Lane in Bramford. Five fire appliances and the Aerial Ladder Platform are at the scene. Crews from Ipswich, Needham Market, Stowmarket, and Woodbridge have worked extremely hard under challenging conditions to contain the fire which is now under control. We will be remaining on scene for some time damping down, therefore Paper Mill Lane remains closed to all traffic between Claydon and Bramford.” It’s the second fire at the Grade II listed site in less than a month.
Kelvin Dakin from the Save the Northern Warehouse group, which aims to protect the site, said that he had been down to the site this morning and confirmed that the damage had been done to a building to the south of the site and was not one of the listed structures. “It’s only a matter of time before there’s a fire in the main building,” said Mr Dakin, “I feel very angry.” It’s not clear at this stage what caused the fire.
Source: East Anglian Daily Times
The fire is thought to have broken out on the south side of the site. Picture: SUFFOLK FIRE AND RESCUE
26 April 2018 - Mansion arsonists dubbed 'disgraceful' by developer
The owner of historic Caernarfon mansions dubbed arsonists a “disgrace” after suspected drug users sparked a blaze. A fire was started at Plas Ty Coch - part of the Brereton estate - on Thursday evening, with firefighters saying it was arson.
Yesterday developer Paul Williams - who hopes to build a 100 bed hotel, lodges and luxury apartments at the site - took a look around the mansion to assess the damage.He said they have increased the security on the buildings in a bid to prevent future trespassing incidents. He added: “I have now looked around Ty Coch and seen the damage done by this latest fire. It has damaged the floor of the first floor where it was started and we think it has caused more damage to the roof. It was in a separate area to the last fire so this is fresh damage. It is disappointing. We spent two days securing these buildings after buying the site but they have hacked their way in. We have now spent the day increasing security on the building that will make it harder to access again. We have found drug use paraphernalia where the fire happened so think it is drug users getting in. It is really sad, this is a Grade II Listed building, a prestigious building in Caernarfon. It is just disgraceful that people would wantonly try to burn it down. Words cannot put into context my feelings. A petrol can has also been recovered and we are hopeful police could get some DNA off these and we could find out who did this.”
Both the Ty Coch and Plas Brereton houses have been empty for a number of years and have fallen into a state of disrepair The properties have both been subject to arson attacks in the last year. They were bought earlier this year by Paul and Rowena Williams, who also own the Glynllifon mansion near Caernarfon and Seiont Manor in Llanrug. They plan to transform the site into a 100 bedroom hotel with a pool, spa, restaurants and bars. This will be a new build linked to Plas Brereton mansion. Under the scheme, derelict Plas Ty Coch would be restored into luxury period apartments with low density housing in the grounds of the mansion and the restoration of walled and formal gardens.
They want to erect luxury holiday lodges on the banks of the Menai Strait and further housing on grassland between Plas Brereton and the quay. They plan to start the planning application process in the coming weeks but said they would be on site shortly for the initial clearance of debris and overgrown areas. He said: “This will also the increase security presence as we will have people here every day.”
Source: Daily Post
The owner of historic Caernarfon mansions dubbed arsonists a “disgrace” after suspected drug users sparked a blaze. A fire was started at Plas Ty Coch - part of the Brereton estate - on Thursday evening, with firefighters saying it was arson.
Yesterday developer Paul Williams - who hopes to build a 100 bed hotel, lodges and luxury apartments at the site - took a look around the mansion to assess the damage.He said they have increased the security on the buildings in a bid to prevent future trespassing incidents. He added: “I have now looked around Ty Coch and seen the damage done by this latest fire. It has damaged the floor of the first floor where it was started and we think it has caused more damage to the roof. It was in a separate area to the last fire so this is fresh damage. It is disappointing. We spent two days securing these buildings after buying the site but they have hacked their way in. We have now spent the day increasing security on the building that will make it harder to access again. We have found drug use paraphernalia where the fire happened so think it is drug users getting in. It is really sad, this is a Grade II Listed building, a prestigious building in Caernarfon. It is just disgraceful that people would wantonly try to burn it down. Words cannot put into context my feelings. A petrol can has also been recovered and we are hopeful police could get some DNA off these and we could find out who did this.”
Both the Ty Coch and Plas Brereton houses have been empty for a number of years and have fallen into a state of disrepair The properties have both been subject to arson attacks in the last year. They were bought earlier this year by Paul and Rowena Williams, who also own the Glynllifon mansion near Caernarfon and Seiont Manor in Llanrug. They plan to transform the site into a 100 bedroom hotel with a pool, spa, restaurants and bars. This will be a new build linked to Plas Brereton mansion. Under the scheme, derelict Plas Ty Coch would be restored into luxury period apartments with low density housing in the grounds of the mansion and the restoration of walled and formal gardens.
They want to erect luxury holiday lodges on the banks of the Menai Strait and further housing on grassland between Plas Brereton and the quay. They plan to start the planning application process in the coming weeks but said they would be on site shortly for the initial clearance of debris and overgrown areas. He said: “This will also the increase security presence as we will have people here every day.”
Source: Daily Post
Flames have left this doorway charred at Plas Ty Coch in Caernarfon. Image: David Powell
19 April 2018 - Fire rips through 18th century Wheaton Aston Old Hall in South Staffordshire.
The A5 Watling Street at Ivetsey Bank was closed as dozens of firefighters tackled the flames at the
18th century Wheaton Aston Old Hall in South Staffordshire. Formerly known as Utopia, the swingers club was a popular adult venue for couples.
Staffordshire Fire and Rescue crews were called to the scene at about 10.12pm last night. The whole 98ft by 98ft (30m x 30m) building was completely involved in fire which also affected the roof. Crews from Penkridge, Cannock and Codsall fire stations were among those in attendance. Three main water jets and an aerial ladder platform was used by firefighters to stop the blaze from destroying the building completely.
Five men have been arrested on suspicion of arson and burglary. They remain in police custody on Friday. An investigation officer is still at the scene today to establish the cause of the fire.
Utopia dissolved in 2007 and the building has remained derelict ever since, with the site now boarded up with blacked out windows and in a run-down state.
In 2016, Brewood and Coven Parish Council wanted Old Hall to be listed but Wheaton Aston Council overwhelmingly rejected the plans. Brewood and Coven council made the application because of the current state of the building, which they consider to be a gateway into Bishops Wood. They said it would help restore Old Hall to its former glory. But after seeking advice, Wheaton Aston councillors opted not to apply for the building to be listed, largely due to the concerns over the restrictions it would place on any future buyer.
Debra Bate, Wheaton Aston's parish council manager, said: "Our parish council took some advice and based on that advice decided not to apply to have the building listed. This was mainly because the advice we got was that when you have a building listed any buyer that wants to do work to the building has to adhere to a lot more restrictions and laws, so having it listed makes it more difficult for a potential buyer. If you want someone to do something up but then impose a load of restrictions then it becomes less appealing. You don't want to make it difficult for any buyer to come along and buy the building."
Source: Express and Star
The A5 Watling Street at Ivetsey Bank was closed as dozens of firefighters tackled the flames at the
18th century Wheaton Aston Old Hall in South Staffordshire. Formerly known as Utopia, the swingers club was a popular adult venue for couples.
Staffordshire Fire and Rescue crews were called to the scene at about 10.12pm last night. The whole 98ft by 98ft (30m x 30m) building was completely involved in fire which also affected the roof. Crews from Penkridge, Cannock and Codsall fire stations were among those in attendance. Three main water jets and an aerial ladder platform was used by firefighters to stop the blaze from destroying the building completely.
Five men have been arrested on suspicion of arson and burglary. They remain in police custody on Friday. An investigation officer is still at the scene today to establish the cause of the fire.
Utopia dissolved in 2007 and the building has remained derelict ever since, with the site now boarded up with blacked out windows and in a run-down state.
In 2016, Brewood and Coven Parish Council wanted Old Hall to be listed but Wheaton Aston Council overwhelmingly rejected the plans. Brewood and Coven council made the application because of the current state of the building, which they consider to be a gateway into Bishops Wood. They said it would help restore Old Hall to its former glory. But after seeking advice, Wheaton Aston councillors opted not to apply for the building to be listed, largely due to the concerns over the restrictions it would place on any future buyer.
Debra Bate, Wheaton Aston's parish council manager, said: "Our parish council took some advice and based on that advice decided not to apply to have the building listed. This was mainly because the advice we got was that when you have a building listed any buyer that wants to do work to the building has to adhere to a lot more restrictions and laws, so having it listed makes it more difficult for a potential buyer. If you want someone to do something up but then impose a load of restrictions then it becomes less appealing. You don't want to make it difficult for any buyer to come along and buy the building."
Source: Express and Star
Fire fighters at 18th century Wheaton Aston Old Hall in South Staffordshire.
18 April 2018 - Historic Courtfield House in Trowbridge badly damaged by vandals
Trowbridge councillors are calling for greater measures to be put in place to stop people vandalising the historic Courtfield House in Trowbridge after it was badly damaged. Vandals broke into the Grade II listed building in Polebarn Road and set fire to the flooring, stole some heaters, broke the front door and smashed windows. The vandalism at the house took place on April 18.
Courtfield House is a clothier's house built in c1754 with an earlier C17 building at the rear. The house was used as a preparatory school which closed in April 2012 and is consequently redundant. Adjoining the house is a relatively unaltered wool store.
Councillors Graham Payne and Glyn Bridges said that Ashford Homes, which bought the building seven months ago, should have boarded the place up so people could not commit such a crime.
“I am very sorry to hear this news but we did warn the owners of the building that this could happen if it wasn’t looked after properly,” said Cllr Payne. “Measures should have been taken to stop acts by undesirables. If they put plywood over the windows and doors or steel grilles, that could have helped.”
Glyn Bridges added: “More could have been done to make it more secure. This is such a historic building. It is very sad that this has happened.”
Ashford Homes’s development director, Tom Griffiths, said: “We are currently completing a comprehensive building condition survey which is a requirement of the forthcoming listed building planning application. The work specifically necessitates access to the building fabric to ensure historically significant features are documented and preserved within our proposals to renovate the building. We have been in discussions with Wiltshire Council to agree further security measures that will be put in place upon completion of the survey.”
Source: Wiltshire Times
Trowbridge councillors are calling for greater measures to be put in place to stop people vandalising the historic Courtfield House in Trowbridge after it was badly damaged. Vandals broke into the Grade II listed building in Polebarn Road and set fire to the flooring, stole some heaters, broke the front door and smashed windows. The vandalism at the house took place on April 18.
Courtfield House is a clothier's house built in c1754 with an earlier C17 building at the rear. The house was used as a preparatory school which closed in April 2012 and is consequently redundant. Adjoining the house is a relatively unaltered wool store.
Councillors Graham Payne and Glyn Bridges said that Ashford Homes, which bought the building seven months ago, should have boarded the place up so people could not commit such a crime.
“I am very sorry to hear this news but we did warn the owners of the building that this could happen if it wasn’t looked after properly,” said Cllr Payne. “Measures should have been taken to stop acts by undesirables. If they put plywood over the windows and doors or steel grilles, that could have helped.”
Glyn Bridges added: “More could have been done to make it more secure. This is such a historic building. It is very sad that this has happened.”
Ashford Homes’s development director, Tom Griffiths, said: “We are currently completing a comprehensive building condition survey which is a requirement of the forthcoming listed building planning application. The work specifically necessitates access to the building fabric to ensure historically significant features are documented and preserved within our proposals to renovate the building. We have been in discussions with Wiltshire Council to agree further security measures that will be put in place upon completion of the survey.”
Source: Wiltshire Times
Trowbridge councillors Glyn Bridges and Graham Payne not happy at the state of Courtfield House.
18 April 2018 - Childrey house fire started by sun shining through window
A thatched cottage in an Oxfordshire village nearly went up in flames this week because it was so sunny.
The small fire was started because the sun's already-sizzling rays were magnified through a convex glass window in a front door.
The woman who lives at the cottage in Childrey near Wantage said she was outside in the garden on Wednesday when she heard her smoke alarm going off. She ran inside to discover smoke filling the ground floor of the house, and called 999. To make matters worse, her 17th century home is also a Grade II listed building.
Firefighters from Wantage, Didcot and Faringdon raced to the scene, but luckily the woman figured out where the fire was and put it out before they arrived. When the firefighters arrived, they worked out that the blaze had been started by the sun's rays magnified through the convex glass window of her front door.
This in turn had started burning a wicker bag in her front porch so it started smouldering.
Fireman Chris Barber said that, although incidents like it were rare, his team had been called before to fires started by the sun's rays. He warned homeowners to beware of the risks, adding: "When we have sunny weather like this week the right conditions can be found for glass objects in our homes to enhance the sun’s rays and cause a fire when in contact with combustible items." He added that it was lucky the woman had a working smoke alarm in the right place so the fire was checked before it did worse damage.
Source: Oxford Mail
A thatched cottage in an Oxfordshire village nearly went up in flames this week because it was so sunny.
The small fire was started because the sun's already-sizzling rays were magnified through a convex glass window in a front door.
The woman who lives at the cottage in Childrey near Wantage said she was outside in the garden on Wednesday when she heard her smoke alarm going off. She ran inside to discover smoke filling the ground floor of the house, and called 999. To make matters worse, her 17th century home is also a Grade II listed building.
Firefighters from Wantage, Didcot and Faringdon raced to the scene, but luckily the woman figured out where the fire was and put it out before they arrived. When the firefighters arrived, they worked out that the blaze had been started by the sun's rays magnified through the convex glass window of her front door.
This in turn had started burning a wicker bag in her front porch so it started smouldering.
Fireman Chris Barber said that, although incidents like it were rare, his team had been called before to fires started by the sun's rays. He warned homeowners to beware of the risks, adding: "When we have sunny weather like this week the right conditions can be found for glass objects in our homes to enhance the sun’s rays and cause a fire when in contact with combustible items." He added that it was lucky the woman had a working smoke alarm in the right place so the fire was checked before it did worse damage.
Source: Oxford Mail
The front door window which started the fire.
14 April 2018 - Calls to protect Ripon's empty historic buildings after suspected arson attack
A suspected arson attack at Ripon's former Cathedral Choir School site has prompted concerns about the vulnerability of empty historic buildings in the city. Fire crews from across the district were called to battle the blaze at around 6pm on Saturday, and remained at the scene for two and a half hours. The fire caused severe damage to a classroom.
The Chairman of Ripon Civic Society, David Winpenny, said the incident highlights a growing need to ensure that buildings have the best levels of protection. Mr Winpenny said: "The fire at the Cathedral Choir School underlines the vulnerability of Ripon’s historic buildings; too many are left without adequate protection when their function has ended and while new uses are being sought. Vandalism and arson are all too likely where the future of a building is in doubt. Ripon Civic Society has been anxious about the Choir School main building - once the grandstand for the former racecourse, for some time, and is still concerned about the future of the Old Lecture Block – formerly the Girls' High School, which continues to deteriorate. "We look to the owners of all properties to ensure they are secure - and to Harrogate Borough Council, to use their powers to see that this is done."
A North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue spokesperson said: "The cause of the fire is believed to be deliberate involving a small amount of rubbish set alight inside an old classroom. The classroom was severely damaged by fire and crews requested the assistance of the aerial ladder platform from Harrogate and extra support from Boroughbridge and Knaresborough crews."
Although this is not a listed building it is nonetheless a heritage asset. The front elevation of the school building was the originally the rear in its former use as the old racecourse grandstand. In 1865, what was then called the “new racecourse,” was opened off Whitcliffe Lane at Redbank. It remained there for over forty years. Afterwards, it became St Olave's Preparatory School, and then the Cathedral Choir School in 1960, until its closure in 2012
Source: Harrogate Advertiser
A suspected arson attack at Ripon's former Cathedral Choir School site has prompted concerns about the vulnerability of empty historic buildings in the city. Fire crews from across the district were called to battle the blaze at around 6pm on Saturday, and remained at the scene for two and a half hours. The fire caused severe damage to a classroom.
The Chairman of Ripon Civic Society, David Winpenny, said the incident highlights a growing need to ensure that buildings have the best levels of protection. Mr Winpenny said: "The fire at the Cathedral Choir School underlines the vulnerability of Ripon’s historic buildings; too many are left without adequate protection when their function has ended and while new uses are being sought. Vandalism and arson are all too likely where the future of a building is in doubt. Ripon Civic Society has been anxious about the Choir School main building - once the grandstand for the former racecourse, for some time, and is still concerned about the future of the Old Lecture Block – formerly the Girls' High School, which continues to deteriorate. "We look to the owners of all properties to ensure they are secure - and to Harrogate Borough Council, to use their powers to see that this is done."
A North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue spokesperson said: "The cause of the fire is believed to be deliberate involving a small amount of rubbish set alight inside an old classroom. The classroom was severely damaged by fire and crews requested the assistance of the aerial ladder platform from Harrogate and extra support from Boroughbridge and Knaresborough crews."
Although this is not a listed building it is nonetheless a heritage asset. The front elevation of the school building was the originally the rear in its former use as the old racecourse grandstand. In 1865, what was then called the “new racecourse,” was opened off Whitcliffe Lane at Redbank. It remained there for over forty years. Afterwards, it became St Olave's Preparatory School, and then the Cathedral Choir School in 1960, until its closure in 2012
Source: Harrogate Advertiser
Ripon's former Cathedral Choir School
13 April 2018 - Historic railway hut at Powerstock Common Nature Reserve destroyed in suspected arson attack
A historic railway hut on a nature reserve has been destroyed in a suspected arson attack.
The ‘old gangers’ hut on Dorset Wildlife Trust's Powerstock Common Nature Reserve, near Maiden Newton, was a registered bat roost for rare lesser horseshoe bats and other species of bats in the area.
It was also an important part of the historic legacy of the 112 hectare nature reserve, which has been managed by DWT since the 1970s. The fire was reported to DWT on the afternoon of Friday, April 13 by a member of the public visiting the site.
The now disused railway line which ran from Maiden Newton to West Bay runs through DWT’s beautiful Powerstock Common Nature Reserve. The line was used during WW1 to transport oak timber from the common for the war effort and is now wonderful habitat for a variety of plants and butterflies along the course of the railway line. The hut, which was over 150 years old, was used by labourers on the railway line, and more recently as a roost for bats in summer. Luckily it is thought that the bats were not in residence at this time of year.
It is believed by DWT that the fire was arson. DWT land manager, Rob Brunt said: “This fire has destroyed a bat roost which provides shelter for the endangered lesser horseshoe bat and has also destroyed part of the historical legacy of this site. It is a small consolation that if it weren’t for the wet weather we’ve recently had, the fire could have damaged much more of the nature reserve. I have been involved with helping to look after Powerstock Common nature reserve for two decades now, so I am personally very sad to see this happen to the site.”
DWT chief executive, Dr Simon Cripps added: “We are incredibly saddened to think there are people who want to needlessly destroy the features and wildlife we work so hard to protect. Powerstock Common has been present in Dorset’s landscape for many centuries, and the nature reserve we see today is a result of thousands of man hours worked over several decades. If anyone has any further information, we would urge them to contact the police immediately.”
Source: Dorset Echo
A historic railway hut on a nature reserve has been destroyed in a suspected arson attack.
The ‘old gangers’ hut on Dorset Wildlife Trust's Powerstock Common Nature Reserve, near Maiden Newton, was a registered bat roost for rare lesser horseshoe bats and other species of bats in the area.
It was also an important part of the historic legacy of the 112 hectare nature reserve, which has been managed by DWT since the 1970s. The fire was reported to DWT on the afternoon of Friday, April 13 by a member of the public visiting the site.
The now disused railway line which ran from Maiden Newton to West Bay runs through DWT’s beautiful Powerstock Common Nature Reserve. The line was used during WW1 to transport oak timber from the common for the war effort and is now wonderful habitat for a variety of plants and butterflies along the course of the railway line. The hut, which was over 150 years old, was used by labourers on the railway line, and more recently as a roost for bats in summer. Luckily it is thought that the bats were not in residence at this time of year.
It is believed by DWT that the fire was arson. DWT land manager, Rob Brunt said: “This fire has destroyed a bat roost which provides shelter for the endangered lesser horseshoe bat and has also destroyed part of the historical legacy of this site. It is a small consolation that if it weren’t for the wet weather we’ve recently had, the fire could have damaged much more of the nature reserve. I have been involved with helping to look after Powerstock Common nature reserve for two decades now, so I am personally very sad to see this happen to the site.”
DWT chief executive, Dr Simon Cripps added: “We are incredibly saddened to think there are people who want to needlessly destroy the features and wildlife we work so hard to protect. Powerstock Common has been present in Dorset’s landscape for many centuries, and the nature reserve we see today is a result of thousands of man hours worked over several decades. If anyone has any further information, we would urge them to contact the police immediately.”
Source: Dorset Echo
The 150 year old hut has been completely destroyed by arson.
12 April 2018 - Police investigation after fire causes 'significant damage' at historic pub
Police are investigating after a fire caused ‘significant damage’ to an historic pub.
Families watched in horror as smoke and flames billowed out of The Offley Arms, in Madeley, last night. And the Poolside building remains taped off this evening as inquiries continue into what sparked the fire. It was closed to customers today.
Resident Jan Simpkin, who lives nearby to the pub, saw the fire engines arrive at around 5.23pm. She said: “I did not know anything about the fire until I saw the fire engines and could hear the alarms. It did seem like quite a severe fire, you could see the smoke coming through the roof. The pub is very important to us and the whole village. If you don’t go to church then the pub is where you meet most people. It would be a shame if the fire had caused structural damage and it had to be demolished.”
Neighbour Josie Elden echoed her concerns. The 55-year-old, of Poolside, , said: “It was quite severe you could see a lot of smoke and at least three fire engines arrived. You could see the flames and smoke through the window. The pub is very important to the area, it is a community asset. I just hope that it’s OK.”
Councillor Simon White, who sits on both Newcastle Borough Council and Madeley Parish Council, said the fire had been the only topic of conversation in the village. He said: “It has been the talk of the town. Everyone could see the smoke coming from the pub. It is a community asset and it was very sad to see it on fire. It is an historic part of rural Madeley and needs to be protected.”
Fire officer Paul Shaw, from Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service, said four fire engines were sent to the scene. He added: “ The building was well alight when crews arrived and the fire has caused a significant amount of damage. Fortunately the pub was closed when the fire started and the building was empty. Due to the size of the fire, we split the incident into two sectors and four firefighters wearing breathing apparatus put out the blaze. The aerial ladder platform was also used so we could remove tiles from the roof and access the roof space as there was smoke billowing from it. Crews have returned to the property today and a full fire investigation is currently underway."
Police are now appealing for anyone with information on how the fire started to get in touch with arson not being ruled out.
Source: Stoke Sentinel
Police are investigating after a fire caused ‘significant damage’ to an historic pub.
Families watched in horror as smoke and flames billowed out of The Offley Arms, in Madeley, last night. And the Poolside building remains taped off this evening as inquiries continue into what sparked the fire. It was closed to customers today.
Resident Jan Simpkin, who lives nearby to the pub, saw the fire engines arrive at around 5.23pm. She said: “I did not know anything about the fire until I saw the fire engines and could hear the alarms. It did seem like quite a severe fire, you could see the smoke coming through the roof. The pub is very important to us and the whole village. If you don’t go to church then the pub is where you meet most people. It would be a shame if the fire had caused structural damage and it had to be demolished.”
Neighbour Josie Elden echoed her concerns. The 55-year-old, of Poolside, , said: “It was quite severe you could see a lot of smoke and at least three fire engines arrived. You could see the flames and smoke through the window. The pub is very important to the area, it is a community asset. I just hope that it’s OK.”
Councillor Simon White, who sits on both Newcastle Borough Council and Madeley Parish Council, said the fire had been the only topic of conversation in the village. He said: “It has been the talk of the town. Everyone could see the smoke coming from the pub. It is a community asset and it was very sad to see it on fire. It is an historic part of rural Madeley and needs to be protected.”
Fire officer Paul Shaw, from Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service, said four fire engines were sent to the scene. He added: “ The building was well alight when crews arrived and the fire has caused a significant amount of damage. Fortunately the pub was closed when the fire started and the building was empty. Due to the size of the fire, we split the incident into two sectors and four firefighters wearing breathing apparatus put out the blaze. The aerial ladder platform was also used so we could remove tiles from the roof and access the roof space as there was smoke billowing from it. Crews have returned to the property today and a full fire investigation is currently underway."
Police are now appealing for anyone with information on how the fire started to get in touch with arson not being ruled out.
Source: Stoke Sentinel
Smoke rises from the roof of the historic Offley Arms
10 April 2018 - Dozens of firefighters tackle major blaze involving detached thatched cottage in Wiltshire
Firefighters from across Wiltshire are currently tackling a serious blaze near Marlborough. Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service were alerted to the fire, involving a detached thatched cottage in the village of Ham, at around 3pm this afternoon. More than a dozen fire crews remain at the scene this evening, with neighbouring fire services including Hampshire and Berkshire providing assistance at the incident.
The fire has been contained to the affected property and most of the occupants’ possessions have been salvaged with the help of the local community. The occupants have escaped without injury. A fire service spokesperson said: “People living in Ham are advised to keep doors and windows closed while the fire is still burning, due to significant amounts of smoke. The road to Buttermere is currently closed due to the number of fire vehicles in attendance.” The cause of the fire is currently under investigation.
The house involved is Tudor Cottage which is a 16th Century Grade II listed timber framed building.
UPDATE: As of 4am on April 11, the fire service were still in attendance at the scene of the fire but had scaled down the incident to two pumps and one aerial appliance.
Source: Wiltshire999s
Firefighters from across Wiltshire are currently tackling a serious blaze near Marlborough. Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service were alerted to the fire, involving a detached thatched cottage in the village of Ham, at around 3pm this afternoon. More than a dozen fire crews remain at the scene this evening, with neighbouring fire services including Hampshire and Berkshire providing assistance at the incident.
The fire has been contained to the affected property and most of the occupants’ possessions have been salvaged with the help of the local community. The occupants have escaped without injury. A fire service spokesperson said: “People living in Ham are advised to keep doors and windows closed while the fire is still burning, due to significant amounts of smoke. The road to Buttermere is currently closed due to the number of fire vehicles in attendance.” The cause of the fire is currently under investigation.
The house involved is Tudor Cottage which is a 16th Century Grade II listed timber framed building.
UPDATE: As of 4am on April 11, the fire service were still in attendance at the scene of the fire but had scaled down the incident to two pumps and one aerial appliance.
Source: Wiltshire999s
The fire involved a detached thatched cottage in the village of Ham
10 April 2018 - Silverburn House destroyed by major blaze
A devastating blaze has hampered efforts to breathe new life into a once-neglected Fife park.
Silverburn House, a Category B listed building in the centre of the 27-acre Silverburn Park in Leven, has been all but destroyed by the inferno that broke out just after 6am on Tuesday. Eleven fire appliances, a command and support unit, ambulances and the police are still at the scene as efforts to bring the flames under control continue. Early indications are the fire may have been started deliberately.
Silverburn House, which was used as accommodation for Polish soldiers during the Second World War, had fallen into disrepair in recent years and had been boarded up but there were long-term plans to transform it into a conference centre and community hub as part of the wider transformation of the park.
A spokesperson for the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service said: “We are dealing with a large fire in Silverburn Park in Leven. The fire broke out at a derelict building in the park. Fire crews will remain on site until the area is deemed safe. This is a major fire.”
The estate was gifted to Fife Council by the Russell family in 1973 and was once considered one of the region’s crowning glories.
A lack of investment over the last two decades saw it reduced to a rather tarnished jewel but a five-year plan by Fife Employment Access Trust to restore it was approved in 2014. Since then tens of thousands of pounds of grants have been applied for to improve the woodland, create allotments and restore the historic flax mill, which will eventually house a hostel, cafe and meeting space. There are also plans for a campsite, nature trails and a children’s play area and a two-day music festival will be held there this summer.
Councillor Ken Caldwell, convener of Fife Council’s Levenmouth area committee, said it looked as though Silverburn House had burnt to the ground. “I’m shocked. It looks really bad,” he said. “Fife Council has invested a lot in this and to see this happen is really disappointing.” He added: “We’ve not been allowed up to see it yet but from what I’ve been told, the building is finished.”
Source: The Courier.co.uk
A devastating blaze has hampered efforts to breathe new life into a once-neglected Fife park.
Silverburn House, a Category B listed building in the centre of the 27-acre Silverburn Park in Leven, has been all but destroyed by the inferno that broke out just after 6am on Tuesday. Eleven fire appliances, a command and support unit, ambulances and the police are still at the scene as efforts to bring the flames under control continue. Early indications are the fire may have been started deliberately.
Silverburn House, which was used as accommodation for Polish soldiers during the Second World War, had fallen into disrepair in recent years and had been boarded up but there were long-term plans to transform it into a conference centre and community hub as part of the wider transformation of the park.
A spokesperson for the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service said: “We are dealing with a large fire in Silverburn Park in Leven. The fire broke out at a derelict building in the park. Fire crews will remain on site until the area is deemed safe. This is a major fire.”
The estate was gifted to Fife Council by the Russell family in 1973 and was once considered one of the region’s crowning glories.
A lack of investment over the last two decades saw it reduced to a rather tarnished jewel but a five-year plan by Fife Employment Access Trust to restore it was approved in 2014. Since then tens of thousands of pounds of grants have been applied for to improve the woodland, create allotments and restore the historic flax mill, which will eventually house a hostel, cafe and meeting space. There are also plans for a campsite, nature trails and a children’s play area and a two-day music festival will be held there this summer.
Councillor Ken Caldwell, convener of Fife Council’s Levenmouth area committee, said it looked as though Silverburn House had burnt to the ground. “I’m shocked. It looks really bad,” he said. “Fife Council has invested a lot in this and to see this happen is really disappointing.” He added: “We’ve not been allowed up to see it yet but from what I’ve been told, the building is finished.”
Source: The Courier.co.uk
Fire destroys Silverburn House (Picture: Dave Adamson)
7 April 2018 - Security concerns raised after old Fisons site in Bramford suffers more fire damage
Questions have been asked after an iconic Suffolk landmark suffered further fire damage this weekend.
Firefighters were called to the Fisons site in Bramford on Saturday after an old security shed was found to be alight. Suffolk Fire and Rescue believe the fire was caused deliberately.
Kelvin Dakin from the Save the North Warehouse group said that after previous serious fires, security, along with flytipping, was becoming an issue at the site. “It’s just a complete eyesore but it’s not only the damage to the listed building, it’s people going on the site,” Mr Dakin said he had raised the issue with Mid Suffolk District Council a number of times. A petition set up by Mr Dakin to save the buildings - which are otherwise known as the North Warehouse - has reached 124 signatures.
The land was first used as a fertiliser plant by Packards in the mid 1800s. It is a Grade II listed building. Fisons erected a wooden warehouse which is now said to be Suffolk’s largest listed building. Fisons left the site back in 2003.
Last year the site was listed on The Victorian Society’s Top 10 Endangered Buildings with the society describing it as an “important part of Victorian industrial history.” Tom Taylor, a conservation adviser at The Victorian Society said: “We are extremely concerned to hear of this latest fire at the former Fison’s Fertiliser Factory. It is, of course, the responsibility of the owners to secure the site adequately, and we would strongly encourage them to do so. We would also urge the District Council to encourage them similarly.”
A spokesperson for Mid Suffolk District Council said: “The former Fisons plant is an important part of our local heritage, and we take our responsibility for it very seriously. We have already arranged to meet with the owners this week, due to concerns about the security of the site and the preservation of the buildings: this most recent incident demonstrates exactly why we need to address those concerns. We will work to secure the site and prevent future incidents such as this, and hope to shortly come to an agreement with the owners of how to do this going forward.”
The site developers Paper Mill Properties based in Peterborough were unavailable for comment.
Source: East Anglian Daily Times
Questions have been asked after an iconic Suffolk landmark suffered further fire damage this weekend.
Firefighters were called to the Fisons site in Bramford on Saturday after an old security shed was found to be alight. Suffolk Fire and Rescue believe the fire was caused deliberately.
Kelvin Dakin from the Save the North Warehouse group said that after previous serious fires, security, along with flytipping, was becoming an issue at the site. “It’s just a complete eyesore but it’s not only the damage to the listed building, it’s people going on the site,” Mr Dakin said he had raised the issue with Mid Suffolk District Council a number of times. A petition set up by Mr Dakin to save the buildings - which are otherwise known as the North Warehouse - has reached 124 signatures.
The land was first used as a fertiliser plant by Packards in the mid 1800s. It is a Grade II listed building. Fisons erected a wooden warehouse which is now said to be Suffolk’s largest listed building. Fisons left the site back in 2003.
Last year the site was listed on The Victorian Society’s Top 10 Endangered Buildings with the society describing it as an “important part of Victorian industrial history.” Tom Taylor, a conservation adviser at The Victorian Society said: “We are extremely concerned to hear of this latest fire at the former Fison’s Fertiliser Factory. It is, of course, the responsibility of the owners to secure the site adequately, and we would strongly encourage them to do so. We would also urge the District Council to encourage them similarly.”
A spokesperson for Mid Suffolk District Council said: “The former Fisons plant is an important part of our local heritage, and we take our responsibility for it very seriously. We have already arranged to meet with the owners this week, due to concerns about the security of the site and the preservation of the buildings: this most recent incident demonstrates exactly why we need to address those concerns. We will work to secure the site and prevent future incidents such as this, and hope to shortly come to an agreement with the owners of how to do this going forward.”
The site developers Paper Mill Properties based in Peterborough were unavailable for comment.
Source: East Anglian Daily Times
This weekend's fire took place in this old security shed on the Fisons site. Picture: GREGG BROWN
5 April 2018 - Fire crews battle blaze at historic town centre pottery
Firefighters have been battling a blaze at a former pottery factory.
Crews were called out to the derelict site on Commerce Street in Longton just after 1pm this afternoon, and the team had to call for a third appliance, set to come from Hanley, to help them in extinguishing the fire.
A spokeswoman for Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service said: “We were called at 1.02pm to a factory on Commerce Street. Two crews from Longton are in attendance and they have requested one from Hanley.”
Shoppers in Longton had spotted smoke pouring from the top of the historic Commerce Street Works. One said: “I just saw the firefighters going past B&M and you could see smoke coming from the building.”
The former Commerce Pottery works is a Grade II listed building, constructed in the mid 19th century.
Update: Police are hunting arsonists who started two separate fires in a former town centre pottery factory. A spokeswoman for Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service confirmed there were two separate seats of fire and they believe this was caused deliberately.
Source: The Sentinel
Firefighters have been battling a blaze at a former pottery factory.
Crews were called out to the derelict site on Commerce Street in Longton just after 1pm this afternoon, and the team had to call for a third appliance, set to come from Hanley, to help them in extinguishing the fire.
A spokeswoman for Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service said: “We were called at 1.02pm to a factory on Commerce Street. Two crews from Longton are in attendance and they have requested one from Hanley.”
Shoppers in Longton had spotted smoke pouring from the top of the historic Commerce Street Works. One said: “I just saw the firefighters going past B&M and you could see smoke coming from the building.”
The former Commerce Pottery works is a Grade II listed building, constructed in the mid 19th century.
Update: Police are hunting arsonists who started two separate fires in a former town centre pottery factory. A spokeswoman for Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service confirmed there were two separate seats of fire and they believe this was caused deliberately.
Source: The Sentinel
Smoke has been seen coming from the Commerce Street building (Image: @reed_my_tweet)
4 April 2018 - Denbigh fire: Large blaze at Victorian North Wales Hospital
A large blaze is being tackled at an abandoned Victorian-era asylum which has previously been ravaged by fire. North Wales Fire and Rescue Service was called to the North Wales Hospital, Denbigh, just before 12:30 BST. Four crews are continuing to battle the blaze on Wednesday evening. At its height about 36 firefighters were at the scene of the blaze of the derelict hospital, which has been repeatedly damaged by fire over the years.
In June, Denbighshire council said part of the Grade II listed former hospital would have to be demolished due to the damage caused by a previous fire. The roof collapsed, despite the efforts of more than 40 firefighters working through the night to try and save it. The former asylum, which closed in 1995, has been set alight a number of times.
There had been uncertainty over its future but following a long battle, the council won a compulsory purchase order and plans were announced in 2016 to preserve it. Last week Signature Livings revealed plans to build two hotels and residential homes on the site, but the proposals had not yet been submitted to the council. Chairman Lawrence Kenwright said the fire was an "absolute tragedy" and while the company's hopes remained unchanged the council needed to act quickly to preserve the heritage.
"Unfortunately the longer the site remains derelict and falling into further disrepair, the more we will lose the heritage and fabric of this historic development," he said. "It is imperative that the council do not delay plans any further to develop. The site as it is also now becoming a health and safety hazard to the public."
Source: BBC News
A large blaze is being tackled at an abandoned Victorian-era asylum which has previously been ravaged by fire. North Wales Fire and Rescue Service was called to the North Wales Hospital, Denbigh, just before 12:30 BST. Four crews are continuing to battle the blaze on Wednesday evening. At its height about 36 firefighters were at the scene of the blaze of the derelict hospital, which has been repeatedly damaged by fire over the years.
In June, Denbighshire council said part of the Grade II listed former hospital would have to be demolished due to the damage caused by a previous fire. The roof collapsed, despite the efforts of more than 40 firefighters working through the night to try and save it. The former asylum, which closed in 1995, has been set alight a number of times.
There had been uncertainty over its future but following a long battle, the council won a compulsory purchase order and plans were announced in 2016 to preserve it. Last week Signature Livings revealed plans to build two hotels and residential homes on the site, but the proposals had not yet been submitted to the council. Chairman Lawrence Kenwright said the fire was an "absolute tragedy" and while the company's hopes remained unchanged the council needed to act quickly to preserve the heritage.
"Unfortunately the longer the site remains derelict and falling into further disrepair, the more we will lose the heritage and fabric of this historic development," he said. "It is imperative that the council do not delay plans any further to develop. The site as it is also now becoming a health and safety hazard to the public."
Source: BBC News
The old Denbigh hospital on fire again.
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Preventing Fire, Protecting Life, Preserving Heritage
Click HERE for Expert Specialist Fire Safety Risk Assessments for Historic and Listed Buildings
Phone: 07840 351458 Email: [email protected]
March - 25 Fires
29 March 2018 - Police warning after fire breaks out in Auchterarder clock tower
Part of Auchterarder High Street was closed after a fire broke out in the historic landmark clock tower of the Aytoun Hall, a Category C listed building. Police warned motorists of delays after the road was reduced to one lane while fire crews tackled the blaze.
The incident was reported at around 1.45pm and three appliances of Scottish Fire Rescue attended – two from Perth and one from Auchterarder. Two breathing apparatus and two hose reels were used to extinguish the fire.
The clock tower is currently shrouded in scaffolding while works are being carried out. One eyewitness said two men were working on the building when the fire broke out.
Damage was restricted to a corner of the roof but the fire officers remained at the scene for a couple of hours to ensure the blaze didn’t reignite. The cause of the blaze is under investigation and the damage is being assessed.
Aytoun Hall began as Auchterarder Free Church and became Scotland’s first independent Free Church, indeed appearing to pre-empt the Disruption by commissioning the architect David Cousin to design their church in advance. It was completed in 1843 as soon as the Free Church formally came into existence.
Source: The courier.co.uk
Part of Auchterarder High Street was closed after a fire broke out in the historic landmark clock tower of the Aytoun Hall, a Category C listed building. Police warned motorists of delays after the road was reduced to one lane while fire crews tackled the blaze.
The incident was reported at around 1.45pm and three appliances of Scottish Fire Rescue attended – two from Perth and one from Auchterarder. Two breathing apparatus and two hose reels were used to extinguish the fire.
The clock tower is currently shrouded in scaffolding while works are being carried out. One eyewitness said two men were working on the building when the fire broke out.
Damage was restricted to a corner of the roof but the fire officers remained at the scene for a couple of hours to ensure the blaze didn’t reignite. The cause of the blaze is under investigation and the damage is being assessed.
Aytoun Hall began as Auchterarder Free Church and became Scotland’s first independent Free Church, indeed appearing to pre-empt the Disruption by commissioning the architect David Cousin to design their church in advance. It was completed in 1843 as soon as the Free Church formally came into existence.
Source: The courier.co.uk
Firefighters on top of Aytoun Hall Clock Tower.
28 March 2018 What should the north of England do with its disused textile mills?
Textile mills are northern-ness in bricks and mortar. By 1860 there were 2,650 mills employing 440,000 people in Lancashire alone. But 45 percent of Greater Manchester’s mills have been destroyed just since 1988; there have been more than 100 fires in Bradford’s mills since 2010.
Historic England’s report into the loss of mills in the north-west and Yorkshire, Engines of Prosperity, found that 90 percent of the 1500 mills in the West Riding of Yorkshire are either vacant or underused. There’s more than 2m square feet of unused floor space in mills across Lancashire and Greater Manchester, too. “Such ‘dead landmarks’ can reduce the attractiveness of an area resulting in a lack of inward investment and growth,” the report said. But it concluded by recommending that recycled mill buildings could act as centres for economic renewal: “Recent experience shows that… integrating historic buildings with regeneration schemes can create popular, vibrant urban quarters which can act as a catalyst for investment.” In other words, mills are poisonous to the local economy if left to stagnate, but a huge asset if regenerated. So, why are there so many left to lie empty and moulder away? And five months after the report was published, has it made any difference?
“You can make things stack up commercially in areas where there’s demand,” says Phipps. Elsewhere, buildings are left to moulder and become dangerous. Moreover, these mills aren’t just spaces which could be offices, homes or shops – they’re monuments which remind locals that northern mill towns weren’t always on the fringes of the economy, and that their parents, grandparents and great-grandparents put their towns at its centre.
The report has spurred local councils to action, though. “These buildings are a huge part of our heritage and we’ve had some great success stories over the years. But there’s a lot more that can be done,” says Alex Ross Shaw, Bradford Council's executive member for regeneration, planning & transport. “That’s what we’re working with Historic England on to achieve.”
There is one more problem, however. Historic England estimated the UK received at least £450m in EU funding for heritage projects between 2007 and 2016. Without that – and without bold developers – the mills will continue to lie unused, and become more perilous every day.
Source: City Metric
Textile mills are northern-ness in bricks and mortar. By 1860 there were 2,650 mills employing 440,000 people in Lancashire alone. But 45 percent of Greater Manchester’s mills have been destroyed just since 1988; there have been more than 100 fires in Bradford’s mills since 2010.
Historic England’s report into the loss of mills in the north-west and Yorkshire, Engines of Prosperity, found that 90 percent of the 1500 mills in the West Riding of Yorkshire are either vacant or underused. There’s more than 2m square feet of unused floor space in mills across Lancashire and Greater Manchester, too. “Such ‘dead landmarks’ can reduce the attractiveness of an area resulting in a lack of inward investment and growth,” the report said. But it concluded by recommending that recycled mill buildings could act as centres for economic renewal: “Recent experience shows that… integrating historic buildings with regeneration schemes can create popular, vibrant urban quarters which can act as a catalyst for investment.” In other words, mills are poisonous to the local economy if left to stagnate, but a huge asset if regenerated. So, why are there so many left to lie empty and moulder away? And five months after the report was published, has it made any difference?
“You can make things stack up commercially in areas where there’s demand,” says Phipps. Elsewhere, buildings are left to moulder and become dangerous. Moreover, these mills aren’t just spaces which could be offices, homes or shops – they’re monuments which remind locals that northern mill towns weren’t always on the fringes of the economy, and that their parents, grandparents and great-grandparents put their towns at its centre.
The report has spurred local councils to action, though. “These buildings are a huge part of our heritage and we’ve had some great success stories over the years. But there’s a lot more that can be done,” says Alex Ross Shaw, Bradford Council's executive member for regeneration, planning & transport. “That’s what we’re working with Historic England on to achieve.”
There is one more problem, however. Historic England estimated the UK received at least £450m in EU funding for heritage projects between 2007 and 2016. Without that – and without bold developers – the mills will continue to lie unused, and become more perilous every day.
Source: City Metric
Fire at Grade II listed four-storey Drummond Mill in Manningham, Bradford - 28 January 2016
27 March 2018 - Crews tackle chimney fire at The Gun & Spitroast pub in Horsmonden
Firefighters were called to a west Kent pub this morning after a chimney blaze broke out. Crews in two fire engines arrived at The Gun & Spitroast in Horsmonden just before 11am following reports of smoke and an orange glow. The blaze was swiftly dealt with, however, and crews left the scene before 11.30am. Bob Tyson, who works at the pub, said: "It was just a small chimney fire, nobody had to be evacuated and business hasn't been affected."
The Gun & Spitroast is Grade II listed and dates back to the 1570s.
Source: Kent Online
Firefighters were called to a west Kent pub this morning after a chimney blaze broke out. Crews in two fire engines arrived at The Gun & Spitroast in Horsmonden just before 11am following reports of smoke and an orange glow. The blaze was swiftly dealt with, however, and crews left the scene before 11.30am. Bob Tyson, who works at the pub, said: "It was just a small chimney fire, nobody had to be evacuated and business hasn't been affected."
The Gun & Spitroast is Grade II listed and dates back to the 1570s.
Source: Kent Online
The Gun & Spitroast pub in Horsmonden where a chimney fire broke out. (Photo: Google)
24 March 2018 - Dozens of firefighters tackle huge fire at derelict mill in Rochdale
Dozens of firefighters have been tackling a huge blaze at a derelict historic mill in Rochdale throughout the night. Crews were first called to the scene at Proofings Mill on Hare Hill Road in Littleborough, at around 4.30pm on Saturday. Six engines from from Littleborough, Oldham, Blackley, Rochdale, Heywood and Hollins were sent out to deal with the blaze which involved all three floors of the building.
Parts of the mill date back to 1860 when the Littleborough Manufacturing Company was set up. The mill produced flannel, cricket whites and blankets.
Around 80% of the mill has now collapsed and firefighters are continuing to extinguish pockets of fire throughout the building. Residents living in 12 nearby properties had to be evacuated after the blaze first broke out but have now been allowed to return home.
Watch Manager at Chadderton community fire station, David Roach said: “The incident is still ongoing and we are targeting the fire from two sectors using a hydraulic platform and a jet. Although the majority of the fire is out – there are still pockets of fire within the building that we are struggling to reach. Due to the instability of the building, we are unable to enter and are fighting the fire from outside of the mill. Our crews have done a fantastic job at this incident, and it has been a real team effort to get to the stage that we are at now. Firefighters have worked tirelessly to put the fire out with minimal disruption to the local community.”
Crews are likely to be at the scene for most of the day. The cause of the fire is not yet known.
Source: Manchester Evening News
Dozens of firefighters have been tackling a huge blaze at a derelict historic mill in Rochdale throughout the night. Crews were first called to the scene at Proofings Mill on Hare Hill Road in Littleborough, at around 4.30pm on Saturday. Six engines from from Littleborough, Oldham, Blackley, Rochdale, Heywood and Hollins were sent out to deal with the blaze which involved all three floors of the building.
Parts of the mill date back to 1860 when the Littleborough Manufacturing Company was set up. The mill produced flannel, cricket whites and blankets.
Around 80% of the mill has now collapsed and firefighters are continuing to extinguish pockets of fire throughout the building. Residents living in 12 nearby properties had to be evacuated after the blaze first broke out but have now been allowed to return home.
Watch Manager at Chadderton community fire station, David Roach said: “The incident is still ongoing and we are targeting the fire from two sectors using a hydraulic platform and a jet. Although the majority of the fire is out – there are still pockets of fire within the building that we are struggling to reach. Due to the instability of the building, we are unable to enter and are fighting the fire from outside of the mill. Our crews have done a fantastic job at this incident, and it has been a real team effort to get to the stage that we are at now. Firefighters have worked tirelessly to put the fire out with minimal disruption to the local community.”
Crews are likely to be at the scene for most of the day. The cause of the fire is not yet known.
Source: Manchester Evening News
Fire destroys the "Proofings Mill" on Hare Hill Road
24 March 2018 - Police investigating fire at Haslington Hall, near Crewe.
Police are investigating after a fire tore through parts of Haslington Hall earlier this morning.
Emergency services from across South Cheshire were called to the blaze at the Grade I listed building on Holmshaw Road, in Haslington near Crewe, shortly after 8am today. At one point six fire engines were tackling the blaze - the cause of which is yet to be determined. Firefighters said everyone had been accounted for and there are no reports of injuries.
This afternoon Cheshire Police have confirmed the fire is being investigated by Crewe CID.
A police spokeswoman said: "Crewe CID officers are investigating a fire at Haslington Hall, Holmshaw Lane, Haslington. The fire was reported at around 8am this morning. At this stage the cause is unknown." It is unclear how badly the building has been damaged by the fire. Firefighters are continuing to damp down the scene this afternoon - a Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service spokeswoman said. She said: "At 8.05am firefighters were called to a fire at Haslington Hall which is a large Victorian house in Holmshaw Lane, Haslington.
"Smoke was seen coming through the roof of the building. Firefighters are damping down hotspots in sections of the building using a hose reel, while other crews are checking for hotspots." Fire engines from Crewe, Nantwich, Alsager, Sandbach, Holmes Chapel and Lymm, as well as an aerial platform, were called to tackle the fire.
Haslington Hall is situated near Crewe and is a Grade I listed building which is used as a luxury venue for weddings and offers overnight accommodation for guests. It is built partly in timber framing and is described as being built in 1545. It is also said to contain parts of an original Medieval manor house which dates back to 1480 and is claimed to have timbers used in the early phase of construction which were salvaged from ships of the Spanish Armada in 1588.
Update 10 April 2018: Police have arrested a man in connection with a fire that ripped through a historic Haslington estate last month. Officers from Cheshire Police investigating a fire at Haslington Hall have arrested a 44-year-old man from Haslington on suspicion of arson in connection with the incident, but have since released him under investigation pending further enquiries.
At 8.05am on Saturday, March 24, firefighters were called to the fire at the large Grade I listed building on Holmshaw Lane in Haslington. Extensive damage was caused to the building and the cause of the fire is being investigated jointly by Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service and Cheshire Police. The theft of two trailers from the scene is also being investigated by police.
Source: Stoke Sentinel
Police are investigating after a fire tore through parts of Haslington Hall earlier this morning.
Emergency services from across South Cheshire were called to the blaze at the Grade I listed building on Holmshaw Road, in Haslington near Crewe, shortly after 8am today. At one point six fire engines were tackling the blaze - the cause of which is yet to be determined. Firefighters said everyone had been accounted for and there are no reports of injuries.
This afternoon Cheshire Police have confirmed the fire is being investigated by Crewe CID.
A police spokeswoman said: "Crewe CID officers are investigating a fire at Haslington Hall, Holmshaw Lane, Haslington. The fire was reported at around 8am this morning. At this stage the cause is unknown." It is unclear how badly the building has been damaged by the fire. Firefighters are continuing to damp down the scene this afternoon - a Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service spokeswoman said. She said: "At 8.05am firefighters were called to a fire at Haslington Hall which is a large Victorian house in Holmshaw Lane, Haslington.
"Smoke was seen coming through the roof of the building. Firefighters are damping down hotspots in sections of the building using a hose reel, while other crews are checking for hotspots." Fire engines from Crewe, Nantwich, Alsager, Sandbach, Holmes Chapel and Lymm, as well as an aerial platform, were called to tackle the fire.
Haslington Hall is situated near Crewe and is a Grade I listed building which is used as a luxury venue for weddings and offers overnight accommodation for guests. It is built partly in timber framing and is described as being built in 1545. It is also said to contain parts of an original Medieval manor house which dates back to 1480 and is claimed to have timbers used in the early phase of construction which were salvaged from ships of the Spanish Armada in 1588.
Update 10 April 2018: Police have arrested a man in connection with a fire that ripped through a historic Haslington estate last month. Officers from Cheshire Police investigating a fire at Haslington Hall have arrested a 44-year-old man from Haslington on suspicion of arson in connection with the incident, but have since released him under investigation pending further enquiries.
At 8.05am on Saturday, March 24, firefighters were called to the fire at the large Grade I listed building on Holmshaw Lane in Haslington. Extensive damage was caused to the building and the cause of the fire is being investigated jointly by Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service and Cheshire Police. The theft of two trailers from the scene is also being investigated by police.
Source: Stoke Sentinel
Firefighters at the fire at Haslington Hall (Image: Cheshire Fire & Rescue Service)
22 March 2018 - Theatre rescue: Firefighters smash into Glasgow’s Pavilion. Desperate bid to save theatre as inferno ravages nearby building.
Firefighters have smashed their way into Glasgow’s Category A listed Pavilion Theatre as crews desperately battle to save the building amid an inferno on Sauchiehall Street.
Emergency services raced to the scene around Victoria’s Nightclub and Holland and Barrett after the alarm was raised at around 8.20am this morning. More than 120 firefighters are currently battling back the flames with 15 fire engines in a desperate bid to save the Glasgow theatre. Sources at the scene say firefighters have broken into the Pavilion with a hammer.
The beloved cultural institution backs on to the site where the blaze took hold. And worried locals fear the flames are moments away from spreading. Shocking footage shows flames erupting from the ravaged building opposite the Pavilion as sandstone masonry started to fall from the walls and guttering.
Nicola Sturgeon, speaking at FMQs, said the blaze was “deeply concerning”.
Iain Gordon, manager of the Pavilion, said: “The fire brigade have told us the priority right now is to try to save the Pavilion. I’m really worried about smoke damage. Staff were evacuated this morning. The smoke is getting into our premises, it’s very worrying.” He later added: “It’s getting worse, the flames are leaping out of the top now. Everybody is out of the area, they have all been evacuated. Our problem at the moment will be smoke damage because it’s gone right into the side of the building.
“We are very concerned about everything. The building has been there for a long time and is a major part of Glasgow. When you see how quickly the fire spread to other parts of the buildings in Sauchiehall Street we just hope the flames don’t jump across the lane. It’s a lane’s distance but that’s not very far when it’s heat and flames going across.”
Source: The Scottish Sun
Firefighters have smashed their way into Glasgow’s Category A listed Pavilion Theatre as crews desperately battle to save the building amid an inferno on Sauchiehall Street.
Emergency services raced to the scene around Victoria’s Nightclub and Holland and Barrett after the alarm was raised at around 8.20am this morning. More than 120 firefighters are currently battling back the flames with 15 fire engines in a desperate bid to save the Glasgow theatre. Sources at the scene say firefighters have broken into the Pavilion with a hammer.
The beloved cultural institution backs on to the site where the blaze took hold. And worried locals fear the flames are moments away from spreading. Shocking footage shows flames erupting from the ravaged building opposite the Pavilion as sandstone masonry started to fall from the walls and guttering.
Nicola Sturgeon, speaking at FMQs, said the blaze was “deeply concerning”.
Iain Gordon, manager of the Pavilion, said: “The fire brigade have told us the priority right now is to try to save the Pavilion. I’m really worried about smoke damage. Staff were evacuated this morning. The smoke is getting into our premises, it’s very worrying.” He later added: “It’s getting worse, the flames are leaping out of the top now. Everybody is out of the area, they have all been evacuated. Our problem at the moment will be smoke damage because it’s gone right into the side of the building.
“We are very concerned about everything. The building has been there for a long time and is a major part of Glasgow. When you see how quickly the fire spread to other parts of the buildings in Sauchiehall Street we just hope the flames don’t jump across the lane. It’s a lane’s distance but that’s not very far when it’s heat and flames going across.”
Source: The Scottish Sun
Flames shoot from the roof of the building behind the Pavilion Theatre
22 March 2018 - Blaze on third floor of Wigan mill
A historic mill building had to be evacuated after a fire broke out. Firefighters were called to Eckersley Mills, in the Wigan Pier Quarter, at 2.30pm on Thursday to reports of a blaze. Shaun Aspey, watch manager at Wigan fire station, said: "Once we got there we found somebody had been in, maybe sleeping rough. They had lit a fire on the third floor. Unfortunately it had been going for quite a while before it was discovered so had tracked along the floor. We had to rip up a lot of the floor and there was a lot of smoke." The third floor of the building is vacant, but people had to be evacuated from the occupied ground floor while the fire burned..Crews used a hose reel and thermal imaging camera to tackle the blaze and were there for around 90 minutes.
Eckersley Mills is the borough's largest collection of Victorian mill buildings, along with several office blocks and a gatehouse, they built between 1884 and 1900 by AH Stott for Farington Eckersley & Co. Ltd. Many of the buildings are Grade II Listed.
Source: Wigan Today
A historic mill building had to be evacuated after a fire broke out. Firefighters were called to Eckersley Mills, in the Wigan Pier Quarter, at 2.30pm on Thursday to reports of a blaze. Shaun Aspey, watch manager at Wigan fire station, said: "Once we got there we found somebody had been in, maybe sleeping rough. They had lit a fire on the third floor. Unfortunately it had been going for quite a while before it was discovered so had tracked along the floor. We had to rip up a lot of the floor and there was a lot of smoke." The third floor of the building is vacant, but people had to be evacuated from the occupied ground floor while the fire burned..Crews used a hose reel and thermal imaging camera to tackle the blaze and were there for around 90 minutes.
Eckersley Mills is the borough's largest collection of Victorian mill buildings, along with several office blocks and a gatehouse, they built between 1884 and 1900 by AH Stott for Farington Eckersley & Co. Ltd. Many of the buildings are Grade II Listed.
Source: Wigan Today
Firefighters were called to Eckersley Mills at 2.30pm on Thursday to reports of a blaze.
20 March 2018 - Fire destroys recently renovated Lower Dock Street church centre in Newport
A church building in Newport city centre, partially destroyed by fire two years ago, (March 2016), has been further damaged by another blaze following a recent revamp. Crews from across south Wales were called to the Abundant Life Centre on Lower Dock Street close to 12.20pm on Tuesday, March 20. However, this fire caused damage to the front of the church, although the cause of the damage remains unknown. Investigators will be returning to Lower Dock Street later this week to piece together the events that led to the fire.
The building is a Grade II listed former drill hall with an administration block. It was built in 1902 with stone walls and natural slate roofs and used by the British Army during World War 1.
A spokeswoman for the South Wales Fire and Rescue Service (SWFRS) said: "At 12.19pm, South Wales Fire and Rescue Service received reports of a fire at a building on Lower Dock Street, Newport. Thirty-two firefighters and five officers from Malpas, Duffryn, New Inn, Roath, Maindee, Cardiff Central, Barry and Merthyr Tydfil were in attendance; with five fire appliances, two aerial ladder platforms, one heavy rescue tender and three water bowsers. On arrival, crews were confronted with a well-developed fire throughout the three-storey building, causing the roof to collapse. Neighbouring properties were evacuated and a police cordon remains in place. The cause of the fire is unknown and an investigation will continue tomorrow morning."
Steve Cole, a group manager with the SWFRS, said at the scene: “We have attended a fire in a building that has been renovated. It is a three-storey building at the front and a two-storey building at the back. When we attended, it was a well-established fire. We have put the fire out and hopefully we can stop the building collapsing any further. Our concerns are about the structure of the building and that will be passed onto the building inspector.”
Source: South Wales Argus
A church building in Newport city centre, partially destroyed by fire two years ago, (March 2016), has been further damaged by another blaze following a recent revamp. Crews from across south Wales were called to the Abundant Life Centre on Lower Dock Street close to 12.20pm on Tuesday, March 20. However, this fire caused damage to the front of the church, although the cause of the damage remains unknown. Investigators will be returning to Lower Dock Street later this week to piece together the events that led to the fire.
The building is a Grade II listed former drill hall with an administration block. It was built in 1902 with stone walls and natural slate roofs and used by the British Army during World War 1.
A spokeswoman for the South Wales Fire and Rescue Service (SWFRS) said: "At 12.19pm, South Wales Fire and Rescue Service received reports of a fire at a building on Lower Dock Street, Newport. Thirty-two firefighters and five officers from Malpas, Duffryn, New Inn, Roath, Maindee, Cardiff Central, Barry and Merthyr Tydfil were in attendance; with five fire appliances, two aerial ladder platforms, one heavy rescue tender and three water bowsers. On arrival, crews were confronted with a well-developed fire throughout the three-storey building, causing the roof to collapse. Neighbouring properties were evacuated and a police cordon remains in place. The cause of the fire is unknown and an investigation will continue tomorrow morning."
Steve Cole, a group manager with the SWFRS, said at the scene: “We have attended a fire in a building that has been renovated. It is a three-storey building at the front and a two-storey building at the back. When we attended, it was a well-established fire. We have put the fire out and hopefully we can stop the building collapsing any further. Our concerns are about the structure of the building and that will be passed onto the building inspector.”
Source: South Wales Argus
Fire at the Abundant Life Centre in Newport
19 March 2018 - Guests and diners flee Potters Heron hotel in 'one of the largest thatch fires for decades'
Guests and diners were forced to flee as one of the biggest thatch fires in the county for decades tore through an historic hotel. About 170 members of the emergency services were called to the scene at the Potters Herron last night. In total 120 firefighters and 25 engines from across Hampshire descended on the scene near Romsey. Guests said they were enjoying a meal when they were suddenly told to leave immediately. The fire is believed to have started in one of the hotel’s chimneys and spread to its thatch at about 6pm. The road beside the hotel, the A3090, was closed in both directions and traffic bosses were advising people to avoid the area.
Chief fire officer Neil Odin described it as "the largest thatch fire I have attended in a 24-year career". He praised crews for "working hard in cold wet conditions" who were trying to "save this lovely building". Clive Tupin, who lives near the Potters Heron, said: “I have never heard so many fire engines in my life. I had just come back from church and followed the fire engines. It's such a shame because it's such an old building." Witness Clive Allen, of Chandler's Ford, said: “I’ve never seen a fire like this. I was on my way home but I had to stop to watch. It is a landmark.” One family, who asked not to be named, were sitting down for a meal with their children in the hotel restaurant. Just as they ordered they were told to evacuate the building by staff. The father said: "Staff were very efficient and said that we had to leave the building at once. We could hardly see any smoke at this point, so real credit to the staff. Fire engines came within minutes of us being evacuated. It was quite impressive.”
Cornelia Norie-Miller, who was tending to her horses close to the hotel, said: "I could hear all of the commotion, so I walked down there. I saw all of these fire engines, vans and blue lights. I’ve never seen anything like it. It was just shocking.” Miss Norie-Miller, 27, a barmaid from Chandler’s Ford, has had horses near to the hotel for the last 15 years. She said: “I go down there occasionally after I’ve finished with the horses. It’s a really nice place and a real shame. I feel sorry for the owners.” Jack Allwood, of Chandler's Ford, is a customer assistant at the hotel. He said: “Initially around five engines arrived at once. I had found out by going into the kitchen, and someone told me. I was the second person who knew about the fire and I helped evacuate everyone in the building.” The hotel's boss, Ludovic Merleix, said he was "grateful" for the emergency services' work. Police were giving out hot drinks and blankets to guests at the scene. According to Hampshire Fire and Rescue, no one was injured.
The hotel famously burnt down in November 1966. A clipping from the Echo at the time show the then owners, Maurice Hewlett and wife Audrey, escaped over the building’s ballroom flat. They then climbed down a painter’s ladder, minutes before the building exploded into flames. Sixty firefighters from Romsey, Eastleigh, West End, Sutton Scotney, Winchester and Twyford brought the fire under control. According to another clipping from the Echo in January 1969, the rebuilding work was due to be completed by May that year.
Source: Southern Daily Echo
Guests and diners were forced to flee as one of the biggest thatch fires in the county for decades tore through an historic hotel. About 170 members of the emergency services were called to the scene at the Potters Herron last night. In total 120 firefighters and 25 engines from across Hampshire descended on the scene near Romsey. Guests said they were enjoying a meal when they were suddenly told to leave immediately. The fire is believed to have started in one of the hotel’s chimneys and spread to its thatch at about 6pm. The road beside the hotel, the A3090, was closed in both directions and traffic bosses were advising people to avoid the area.
Chief fire officer Neil Odin described it as "the largest thatch fire I have attended in a 24-year career". He praised crews for "working hard in cold wet conditions" who were trying to "save this lovely building". Clive Tupin, who lives near the Potters Heron, said: “I have never heard so many fire engines in my life. I had just come back from church and followed the fire engines. It's such a shame because it's such an old building." Witness Clive Allen, of Chandler's Ford, said: “I’ve never seen a fire like this. I was on my way home but I had to stop to watch. It is a landmark.” One family, who asked not to be named, were sitting down for a meal with their children in the hotel restaurant. Just as they ordered they were told to evacuate the building by staff. The father said: "Staff were very efficient and said that we had to leave the building at once. We could hardly see any smoke at this point, so real credit to the staff. Fire engines came within minutes of us being evacuated. It was quite impressive.”
Cornelia Norie-Miller, who was tending to her horses close to the hotel, said: "I could hear all of the commotion, so I walked down there. I saw all of these fire engines, vans and blue lights. I’ve never seen anything like it. It was just shocking.” Miss Norie-Miller, 27, a barmaid from Chandler’s Ford, has had horses near to the hotel for the last 15 years. She said: “I go down there occasionally after I’ve finished with the horses. It’s a really nice place and a real shame. I feel sorry for the owners.” Jack Allwood, of Chandler's Ford, is a customer assistant at the hotel. He said: “Initially around five engines arrived at once. I had found out by going into the kitchen, and someone told me. I was the second person who knew about the fire and I helped evacuate everyone in the building.” The hotel's boss, Ludovic Merleix, said he was "grateful" for the emergency services' work. Police were giving out hot drinks and blankets to guests at the scene. According to Hampshire Fire and Rescue, no one was injured.
The hotel famously burnt down in November 1966. A clipping from the Echo at the time show the then owners, Maurice Hewlett and wife Audrey, escaped over the building’s ballroom flat. They then climbed down a painter’s ladder, minutes before the building exploded into flames. Sixty firefighters from Romsey, Eastleigh, West End, Sutton Scotney, Winchester and Twyford brought the fire under control. According to another clipping from the Echo in January 1969, the rebuilding work was due to be completed by May that year.
Source: Southern Daily Echo
18 March 2018 - Investigation continues at Heather Mills after fire rips through 150-year-old Selkirk building
Police say they are treating a fire at a Selkirk mill as "suspicious". More than 20 firefighters were called out to the 154-year-old Heather Mills, in the town's South Bridge Street, after a blaze broke out shortly after 6pm last night (Sunday). Crews from Selkirk, Galashiels, Dalkeith, Innerleithen and Hawick were joined by a specialist team from Tollcross and spent more than four hours bringing the blaze under control. It's still unclear how the fire started but one resident who raised the alarm told us they saw children playing in the area at the time. They said: "We were just walking the dogs across the bridge and I smelt smoke before I saw the building was on fire. I dialled 999 but the two fire engines were already on their way - I could actually see them as I got off my phone. Within five minutes it all went up, you could see the fire coming out of the windows."
Police remained on guard at the site today as an investigation into the cause of the fire got underway. Neighbouring roads were sealed off with police tape as tiles from the roof of the mill were strewn across the street. Bryan Hoggan, who runs nearby Ettrick Valley giftware shop, told Radio Borders News: "Heather Mills used to employ 200 workers at its height, it was a great business for the town, and it's just sad to see its demise." But he added: "There had been talk about these old buildings being turned into housing and I think it's maybe something we have to serious look at now."
Built in 1864 as Cheviot Mill, it was renamed Heather Mills in 1892, changing hands numerous times before closing with the loss of 31 jobs at the beginning of 2009.
Police are appealing for anyone with information to come forward. A spokesperson for Police Scotland said: "Police in the Scottish Borders were called to the South Bridge Street area of Selkirk around 6.15pm on Sunday, March 18, following a report of a fire at a derelict building. The fire is currently being treated as suspicious and enquiries are ongoing.
Source: Radio Borders
Police say they are treating a fire at a Selkirk mill as "suspicious". More than 20 firefighters were called out to the 154-year-old Heather Mills, in the town's South Bridge Street, after a blaze broke out shortly after 6pm last night (Sunday). Crews from Selkirk, Galashiels, Dalkeith, Innerleithen and Hawick were joined by a specialist team from Tollcross and spent more than four hours bringing the blaze under control. It's still unclear how the fire started but one resident who raised the alarm told us they saw children playing in the area at the time. They said: "We were just walking the dogs across the bridge and I smelt smoke before I saw the building was on fire. I dialled 999 but the two fire engines were already on their way - I could actually see them as I got off my phone. Within five minutes it all went up, you could see the fire coming out of the windows."
Police remained on guard at the site today as an investigation into the cause of the fire got underway. Neighbouring roads were sealed off with police tape as tiles from the roof of the mill were strewn across the street. Bryan Hoggan, who runs nearby Ettrick Valley giftware shop, told Radio Borders News: "Heather Mills used to employ 200 workers at its height, it was a great business for the town, and it's just sad to see its demise." But he added: "There had been talk about these old buildings being turned into housing and I think it's maybe something we have to serious look at now."
Built in 1864 as Cheviot Mill, it was renamed Heather Mills in 1892, changing hands numerous times before closing with the loss of 31 jobs at the beginning of 2009.
Police are appealing for anyone with information to come forward. A spokesperson for Police Scotland said: "Police in the Scottish Borders were called to the South Bridge Street area of Selkirk around 6.15pm on Sunday, March 18, following a report of a fire at a derelict building. The fire is currently being treated as suspicious and enquiries are ongoing.
Source: Radio Borders
Fire crews tackling the blaze at the former Heather Mills site (Credit: ITV Border)
18 March 2018 - A fire has forced homeless charity House of St Barnabas to close.
Celebrated London club and homeless charity The House Of St Barnabas has been forced to close its doors after a fire damaged the building.
The fire occurred on Sunday (March 18) in the basement of the club. No-one was injured, but the damage has meant that it will not be open for the rest of this week at the very least.
The Grade I listed townhouse in Soho has been run as a charity to help those affected by homelessness since 1862, and has been home to a not-for-profit members club since 2013.
The venue also runs an employment training programme, with a goal “to create the strongest community of people invested in creating a fair and equal society, where lasting work is a reality for people affected by homelessness”.
Source: The Big Issue
Celebrated London club and homeless charity The House Of St Barnabas has been forced to close its doors after a fire damaged the building.
The fire occurred on Sunday (March 18) in the basement of the club. No-one was injured, but the damage has meant that it will not be open for the rest of this week at the very least.
The Grade I listed townhouse in Soho has been run as a charity to help those affected by homelessness since 1862, and has been home to a not-for-profit members club since 2013.
The venue also runs an employment training programme, with a goal “to create the strongest community of people invested in creating a fair and equal society, where lasting work is a reality for people affected by homelessness”.
Source: The Big Issue
The Grade I listed House Of St Barnabas.
17 March 2018 - Firefighters tackle large blaze at Stalybridge mill.
More than 50 firefighters are tackling a blaze at a historic Ray Mill in Greater Manchester.
Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service said it was called to the mill in Clarence Street, Stalybridge, at 23:43 GMT on Saturday.
Five storeys of the mill were "well alight", the service said. Incident Commander Billy Fenwick said the fire had been "surrounded" by 06:00 on Sunday, and added that crews had stopped it from spreading. We are confident nearby buildings are safe from harm," he added.
Mr Fenwick said firefighters would continue to tackle the blaze throughout Sunday and said a fire investigation team would attend to "try and establish a cause".
The building, built in 1907, is believed to be home to a number of small businesses.
One of the tenants, cheerleading and dance class provider TCA Tycoons, posted on Facebook that it was "heartbroken". "This was not only where our cheer and dance programme was based, it was also a home and a safe place for so many parents and athletes," it said.
Two aerial platforms are being used "to put water on the fire from height and to help control the plume of smoke".
Mr Fenwick advised nearby residents to keep doors and windows closed as a precaution, to stop smoke entering their homes. "Please also ensure you stay away from the nearby area and do not drive nearby - for both your safety and to make sure we can fight this fire," he added. Road closures are in place around Clarence Street and Tame Street.
Source: BBC News
More than 50 firefighters are tackling a blaze at a historic Ray Mill in Greater Manchester.
Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service said it was called to the mill in Clarence Street, Stalybridge, at 23:43 GMT on Saturday.
Five storeys of the mill were "well alight", the service said. Incident Commander Billy Fenwick said the fire had been "surrounded" by 06:00 on Sunday, and added that crews had stopped it from spreading. We are confident nearby buildings are safe from harm," he added.
Mr Fenwick said firefighters would continue to tackle the blaze throughout Sunday and said a fire investigation team would attend to "try and establish a cause".
The building, built in 1907, is believed to be home to a number of small businesses.
One of the tenants, cheerleading and dance class provider TCA Tycoons, posted on Facebook that it was "heartbroken". "This was not only where our cheer and dance programme was based, it was also a home and a safe place for so many parents and athletes," it said.
Two aerial platforms are being used "to put water on the fire from height and to help control the plume of smoke".
Mr Fenwick advised nearby residents to keep doors and windows closed as a precaution, to stop smoke entering their homes. "Please also ensure you stay away from the nearby area and do not drive nearby - for both your safety and to make sure we can fight this fire," he added. Road closures are in place around Clarence Street and Tame Street.
Source: BBC News
Fire Engulfs Ray Mill in Stalybridge. (Picture: GMFRS)
16 March 2018 - Listed cottage gutted by fire
A cottage in the centre of Wargrave, Berkshire, was gutted in a fire. The blaze affected both floors of Holly Cottage in High Street, which is Grade II listed.
Firefighters were called to the empty property at about 9.25am on Friday. The alarm was raised by neighbours who saw big plumes of smoke coming from the cottage. The fire could also be smelt further down the street.
Lucy Fulford, who lives in the village, said: “The fire must have started before 8.45am because my house had a smell of smoke inside at that time. I didn’t actually go outside until a while later. By that time High Street was closed, with six fire engines from three different fire services, an ambulance and several police cars all parked along the street. A police cordon at both ends of High Street was stopping traffic from passing through. Neighbours were having a look but no one I spoke to had seen the fire break out, so I don’t know who raised the alarm. Firefighters were moving in and out of the ground floor of the cottage, which appeared entirely burnt out, with the crews pushing charred, crumbling material out of their way. The upper floor also looked totally gutted, with blacked out walls. Firemen, police and forensics were together examining the perimeter of the property. Later a police community support officer was knocking on doors asking if anyone had seen or heard anything suspicious that morning.”
Christabel Grimmer, who lives in High Street, said: “I woke up to five fire engines and smoke coming out of the cottage. I can see the bedroom window from my bedroom window. You could tell it was very hot — there weren’t flames but a lot of smoke. The owners have had it a relatively short time and the people who had it before them did a super job of doing it up. The fire brigade came again on Saturday morning to check my fire alarms and said the cottage was gutted.”
Fire crews were sent from Wokingham Road, Reading, and Wokingham fire stations and were supported by crews from Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service and Buckinghamshire and Milton Keynes Fire and Rescue Service. A spokesman for Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service said: “Upon arrival, firefighters found a fire affecting the ground and first floor, so four firefighters wearing breathing apparatus extinguished the fire using two hose reels.”
A 20m long section of the street was cordoned off by police during the incident, with traffic redirected via Wargrave Hill, Lane, Dark Lane and School Lane.
Pedestrians were redirected around the cordon as police forensics teams inspected the building. The road was re-opened at about 2pm. Fire crews remained on the scene for about four hours.
They said the property had suffered severe fire and smoke damage. The lounge and a bedroom above it are thought to have been the most badly damaged.
Source: Henley Standard
A cottage in the centre of Wargrave, Berkshire, was gutted in a fire. The blaze affected both floors of Holly Cottage in High Street, which is Grade II listed.
Firefighters were called to the empty property at about 9.25am on Friday. The alarm was raised by neighbours who saw big plumes of smoke coming from the cottage. The fire could also be smelt further down the street.
Lucy Fulford, who lives in the village, said: “The fire must have started before 8.45am because my house had a smell of smoke inside at that time. I didn’t actually go outside until a while later. By that time High Street was closed, with six fire engines from three different fire services, an ambulance and several police cars all parked along the street. A police cordon at both ends of High Street was stopping traffic from passing through. Neighbours were having a look but no one I spoke to had seen the fire break out, so I don’t know who raised the alarm. Firefighters were moving in and out of the ground floor of the cottage, which appeared entirely burnt out, with the crews pushing charred, crumbling material out of their way. The upper floor also looked totally gutted, with blacked out walls. Firemen, police and forensics were together examining the perimeter of the property. Later a police community support officer was knocking on doors asking if anyone had seen or heard anything suspicious that morning.”
Christabel Grimmer, who lives in High Street, said: “I woke up to five fire engines and smoke coming out of the cottage. I can see the bedroom window from my bedroom window. You could tell it was very hot — there weren’t flames but a lot of smoke. The owners have had it a relatively short time and the people who had it before them did a super job of doing it up. The fire brigade came again on Saturday morning to check my fire alarms and said the cottage was gutted.”
Fire crews were sent from Wokingham Road, Reading, and Wokingham fire stations and were supported by crews from Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service and Buckinghamshire and Milton Keynes Fire and Rescue Service. A spokesman for Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service said: “Upon arrival, firefighters found a fire affecting the ground and first floor, so four firefighters wearing breathing apparatus extinguished the fire using two hose reels.”
A 20m long section of the street was cordoned off by police during the incident, with traffic redirected via Wargrave Hill, Lane, Dark Lane and School Lane.
Pedestrians were redirected around the cordon as police forensics teams inspected the building. The road was re-opened at about 2pm. Fire crews remained on the scene for about four hours.
They said the property had suffered severe fire and smoke damage. The lounge and a bedroom above it are thought to have been the most badly damaged.
Source: Henley Standard
13 March 2018 - Dramatic photos show collapsed thatched cottage roof as fire crews battle to save the building in East Lambrook
Photos from the scene of a fire in East Lambrook show that the roof of the property has completely collapsed and is now engulfed in smoke as fire crews try to tackle the blaze.
Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service has said that a Grade II listed thatched cottage in East Lambrook is at risk of collapse as 10 fire engines and crews from across the county battle a huge fire at the property. Crews were called shortly after 12.15pm to reports of a fire at a property near the Rose and Pub on Silver Street. On arrival crews found the roof well alight.
Ten crews are at the scene and have attempted to use water jets and breathing apparatus to recover items from inside the property before the roof collapsed.
Cordons have been placed around the scene and nearby residents have been told to keep their windows and doors closed due to the smoke.
Update: 23 March 2018 - A 'beautiful' thatched cottage which dramatically went up in flames last week will not be demolished, it has been confirmed.
At its height, around 70 firefighters were at the scene trying to keep the fire at bay.
Following the fire, signs saying 'demolition site' and 'danger, demolition, keep out' were erected. Scaffolding to support the remaining walls and small, temporary road closures have also been put in place.
Now, a spokesman for South Somerset District Council has confirmed that the building will not be coming down as it is listed. The spokesman said: "Our building control team were initially called to inspect the building following the fire and ordered some work to be undertaken to make the building more secure and less of a danger to the public. This was agreed with the conservation officer. The building is a Listed Building and therefore will not be demolished. The conservation officer is already in contact with the loss adjuster and the appointed architect. Any works in the future to rebuild will need to have consent due to the buildings Listed Building status."
The cause of the fire is believed to be accidental.
Source: Somerset Live
Photos from the scene of a fire in East Lambrook show that the roof of the property has completely collapsed and is now engulfed in smoke as fire crews try to tackle the blaze.
Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service has said that a Grade II listed thatched cottage in East Lambrook is at risk of collapse as 10 fire engines and crews from across the county battle a huge fire at the property. Crews were called shortly after 12.15pm to reports of a fire at a property near the Rose and Pub on Silver Street. On arrival crews found the roof well alight.
Ten crews are at the scene and have attempted to use water jets and breathing apparatus to recover items from inside the property before the roof collapsed.
Cordons have been placed around the scene and nearby residents have been told to keep their windows and doors closed due to the smoke.
Update: 23 March 2018 - A 'beautiful' thatched cottage which dramatically went up in flames last week will not be demolished, it has been confirmed.
At its height, around 70 firefighters were at the scene trying to keep the fire at bay.
Following the fire, signs saying 'demolition site' and 'danger, demolition, keep out' were erected. Scaffolding to support the remaining walls and small, temporary road closures have also been put in place.
Now, a spokesman for South Somerset District Council has confirmed that the building will not be coming down as it is listed. The spokesman said: "Our building control team were initially called to inspect the building following the fire and ordered some work to be undertaken to make the building more secure and less of a danger to the public. This was agreed with the conservation officer. The building is a Listed Building and therefore will not be demolished. The conservation officer is already in contact with the loss adjuster and the appointed architect. Any works in the future to rebuild will need to have consent due to the buildings Listed Building status."
The cause of the fire is believed to be accidental.
Source: Somerset Live
The severe damage to the cottage roof
11 March 2018 - Dramatic fire at iconic house in Barrow
Firefighters battled a chimney fire which started at a large detached farmhouse in Barrow. The Barrow crew was called to Manor Farm in Rating Lane just before 11pm on Sunday night. Firefighters used their aerial ladder platform to get above the property to extinguish the fire and dampen the roof of the house. No one was injured during the fire.
The farmhouse dates back to around 1845 and is Grade II listed.
Source: The Mail
Firefighters battled a chimney fire which started at a large detached farmhouse in Barrow. The Barrow crew was called to Manor Farm in Rating Lane just before 11pm on Sunday night. Firefighters used their aerial ladder platform to get above the property to extinguish the fire and dampen the roof of the house. No one was injured during the fire.
The farmhouse dates back to around 1845 and is Grade II listed.
Source: The Mail
The Barrow crew was called to Manor Farm
11 March 2018 - Emergency services battling fire at derelict historic Bank Bottom Mills, Marsden.
A fire has broken out at a derelict mill in Marsden. The fire at Bank Bottom Mills on Mount Road is thought to have started around 1pm today (Sunday) and has been spewing smoke for hours. There was no one believed to have been hurt in the fire.
Historic Bank Bottom Mill is a four storey structure which dates from 1824, and was originally a fulling mill. In the 1830s it was used by Norris, Sykes and Fisher. Later it was occupied by John Sykes and Sons.
All three emergency services are attending the scene. There are six fire engines, three ambulances and many police cars. The fire service’s Personnel Welfare Unit is also in attendance. The ambulances and the Personnel Welfare Unit are in attendance for the crews working on the fire in case there is asbestos in the building.
Currently owned by descendants of the renowned mill-owning Crowther family under the company name of John Edward Crowther Ltd, the mill has stood empty since it closed in 2003. The company also owns New Mills on nearby Brougham Road and a former barn and stables at Stanley Mews, just off Manchester Road.
No plans have been put in for Bank Bottom Mills since John Edward Crowther closed the site and let go of all 244 workers, after failing to find a buyer for the business.
Source: The Huddersfield Daily Examiner.
A fire has broken out at a derelict mill in Marsden. The fire at Bank Bottom Mills on Mount Road is thought to have started around 1pm today (Sunday) and has been spewing smoke for hours. There was no one believed to have been hurt in the fire.
Historic Bank Bottom Mill is a four storey structure which dates from 1824, and was originally a fulling mill. In the 1830s it was used by Norris, Sykes and Fisher. Later it was occupied by John Sykes and Sons.
All three emergency services are attending the scene. There are six fire engines, three ambulances and many police cars. The fire service’s Personnel Welfare Unit is also in attendance. The ambulances and the Personnel Welfare Unit are in attendance for the crews working on the fire in case there is asbestos in the building.
Currently owned by descendants of the renowned mill-owning Crowther family under the company name of John Edward Crowther Ltd, the mill has stood empty since it closed in 2003. The company also owns New Mills on nearby Brougham Road and a former barn and stables at Stanley Mews, just off Manchester Road.
No plans have been put in for Bank Bottom Mills since John Edward Crowther closed the site and let go of all 244 workers, after failing to find a buyer for the business.
Source: The Huddersfield Daily Examiner.
Emergency services battling fire at derelict Bank Bottom Mills, Marsden
The two cottages from the front
9 March 2018 - Dozens of firefighters tackle Wargrave house blaze
Dozens of firefighters from across Berkshire and Oxfordshire more than four hours tackling a fire at a house in Wargrave today.
Crews from Wokingham and Wokingham Road fire stations were called to the property in the High Street at around 9.30am this morning. They joined crews from Wallingford and Henley Fire Stations in tackling the flames at the Grade II listed building. An aerial appliance from high Wycombe also attended, but was not required.
The fire is believed to have originated in the downstairs of the property, before spreading to an upstairs bedroom.Thankfully, no-one was at home when the fire broke out. Hose reels and firefighters wearing breathing apparatus helped to bring the flames under control.
Source: The Reading Chronicle
Dozens of firefighters from across Berkshire and Oxfordshire more than four hours tackling a fire at a house in Wargrave today.
Crews from Wokingham and Wokingham Road fire stations were called to the property in the High Street at around 9.30am this morning. They joined crews from Wallingford and Henley Fire Stations in tackling the flames at the Grade II listed building. An aerial appliance from high Wycombe also attended, but was not required.
The fire is believed to have originated in the downstairs of the property, before spreading to an upstairs bedroom.Thankfully, no-one was at home when the fire broke out. Hose reels and firefighters wearing breathing apparatus helped to bring the flames under control.
Source: The Reading Chronicle
No incident picture available
9 March 2018 - Arsonist strikes again at mothballed Kirklees College
The derelict former Kirklees College was set on fire again this evening in the latest in a long line of suspected arson attacks. Passing police officers noticed smoke coming from the old infirmary building off Portland Street at about 5pm. Two crews from Huddersfield and one from Rastrick had to rip open metal security shutters to get into the burning premises.
They found rubbish in a first floor room inside the Grade II* listed 19th century building had been set ablaze. No one was found inside. Firefighters spent about two hours at the scene, for the second time this week.
Station commander at Huddersfield, Dale Gardener, said the fire was suspected arson. The incident now joins a long list of suspected arson attacks following Kirklees College’s departure from the premises in 2013. “We’ve been here quite a number of times last year,” said Station Commander Gardener. "It quietened down and now it’s picked up again. There’s a variety of areas where they could possibly have got in but we’re working with the new owners of the site to try and secure it up.”
The landmark site by Huddersfield’s ring road has fallen into disrepair after the college moved out. Plans to turn it into a Lidl, luxury retirement flats and an NHS facility were abandoned in late 2016. Last year a new owner, Leeds based Trinity One LLP, revealed it had purchased the site. In October it unveiled plans to build a hotel, a Lidl and apartments but no formal planning application has yet been submitted.
Source: The Huddersfield Daily Examiner
The derelict former Kirklees College was set on fire again this evening in the latest in a long line of suspected arson attacks. Passing police officers noticed smoke coming from the old infirmary building off Portland Street at about 5pm. Two crews from Huddersfield and one from Rastrick had to rip open metal security shutters to get into the burning premises.
They found rubbish in a first floor room inside the Grade II* listed 19th century building had been set ablaze. No one was found inside. Firefighters spent about two hours at the scene, for the second time this week.
Station commander at Huddersfield, Dale Gardener, said the fire was suspected arson. The incident now joins a long list of suspected arson attacks following Kirklees College’s departure from the premises in 2013. “We’ve been here quite a number of times last year,” said Station Commander Gardener. "It quietened down and now it’s picked up again. There’s a variety of areas where they could possibly have got in but we’re working with the new owners of the site to try and secure it up.”
The landmark site by Huddersfield’s ring road has fallen into disrepair after the college moved out. Plans to turn it into a Lidl, luxury retirement flats and an NHS facility were abandoned in late 2016. Last year a new owner, Leeds based Trinity One LLP, revealed it had purchased the site. In October it unveiled plans to build a hotel, a Lidl and apartments but no formal planning application has yet been submitted.
Source: The Huddersfield Daily Examiner
Fire at the old Huddersfield Technical College Building, Portland Street. (Image: Huddersfield Examiner)
8 March 2018 - Firefighters work through the night to tackle double thatched cottage blaze.
Access to Sowton Village in Devon remains blocked after a devastating fire that caused extensive damage to two thatched houses and requires urgent works to shore up the walls of the buildings.
Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service received a call at 6.35pm on Thursday reporting that one of the residents whose thatch roof was on fire.
Firefighters are still at the scene and on Friday morning the two Grade II listed cottages were still on fire with white clouds of smoke continuing to billow across the old village of Sowton.
Nobody was injured in the blaze but little remains of the adjoining homes. Both thatched roofs have gone and the upper floors are empty shells. A fire engine and some residents' cars are blocked into the end of the cul-de-sac because they cannot get past the buildings which are in danger of collapsing out into the road.
East Devon District Council’s Building Control Service is assisting the fire service and has been helping the fire service assess the safety risks associated with the damage to the building.
But a spokesman said, “The damage to the building is extensive and urgent works may be needed to shore up the walls of the building to prevent further damage. The Council is advising on the urgent repairs that are needed and once these have been carried out we will then be working with the owners to discuss future rebuilding and repair works. The cottages themselves are listed grade II and date back to the early 17th century and are constructed from a mixture of stone, brick and cob with a thatched roof. They form an important part of the heritage of the attractive and historic village of Sowton.
“While the loss of part of the historic fabric of the building is very unfortunate the immediate concern is to ensure the safety of the building for residents of the village and passing pedestrians and vehicles so that access to the village can be reopened. There will be no further information from the Council until the assessments are completed.”
Source: Devon Live
Access to Sowton Village in Devon remains blocked after a devastating fire that caused extensive damage to two thatched houses and requires urgent works to shore up the walls of the buildings.
Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service received a call at 6.35pm on Thursday reporting that one of the residents whose thatch roof was on fire.
Firefighters are still at the scene and on Friday morning the two Grade II listed cottages were still on fire with white clouds of smoke continuing to billow across the old village of Sowton.
Nobody was injured in the blaze but little remains of the adjoining homes. Both thatched roofs have gone and the upper floors are empty shells. A fire engine and some residents' cars are blocked into the end of the cul-de-sac because they cannot get past the buildings which are in danger of collapsing out into the road.
East Devon District Council’s Building Control Service is assisting the fire service and has been helping the fire service assess the safety risks associated with the damage to the building.
But a spokesman said, “The damage to the building is extensive and urgent works may be needed to shore up the walls of the building to prevent further damage. The Council is advising on the urgent repairs that are needed and once these have been carried out we will then be working with the owners to discuss future rebuilding and repair works. The cottages themselves are listed grade II and date back to the early 17th century and are constructed from a mixture of stone, brick and cob with a thatched roof. They form an important part of the heritage of the attractive and historic village of Sowton.
“While the loss of part of the historic fabric of the building is very unfortunate the immediate concern is to ensure the safety of the building for residents of the village and passing pedestrians and vehicles so that access to the village can be reopened. There will be no further information from the Council until the assessments are completed.”
Source: Devon Live
Fire devastates the two Grade II houses in Sowton, Devon.
Update: 12 March 2018 - A historic thatched cottage in Sowton which was destroyed by fire has completely collapsed on one side.
East Devon building control say the cob appeared to be safe at the end of last week and was being monitored over the weekend, but on Monday, March 12 during the morning the structure failed with little warning while fire service damping down was still in progress. A side wall and chimney fell into the building, destabilising the cob front wall of one of the cottages, causing it to fall into the road. The stability of cob is hard to predict after a fire like this and can be vulnerable when wet.
East Devon building control say the cob appeared to be safe at the end of last week and was being monitored over the weekend, but on Monday, March 12 during the morning the structure failed with little warning while fire service damping down was still in progress. A side wall and chimney fell into the building, destabilising the cob front wall of one of the cottages, causing it to fall into the road. The stability of cob is hard to predict after a fire like this and can be vulnerable when wet.
7 March 2018 - People rescued after fire at top of Blackpool Tower
Several people who were trapped at the top of Blackpool Tower have been evacuated after firefighters brought a fire in the building under control.
The Victorian attraction was designated a Grade I listed building in 1973. It is the 120th tallest freestanding tower in the world.
Firefighters spent three and a half hours tackling a blaze which broke out on the roof of the iconic landmark. A number of people had been held in a "safe area" at the top of the building while the rest of the tower was evacuated, according to Lancashire Fire Service. There are no reported injuries.
Firefighters were called to reports of a fire on the roof of one of the tower buildings at 12.39pm. It was put out at approximately 4pm. The people at the top of the tower were allowed down once the emergency services had finished checks to confirm it was safe to move them. "Firefighters will remain at the scene for the next few hours to damp down and begin the fire investigation," Lancashire Fire Service said. Six crews of firefighters wearing breathing apparatus fought to extinguish the fire using two hose reels. Four fire engines and an aerial ladder platform attended the scene.
The fire broke out on the fifth floor of the building, where the popular vantage points of the Blackpool Tower Eye and the Sea View Terrace are located.
The historic ballroom, which hosts shows of the hit BBC programme Strictly Come Dancing, was not damaged.
Blackpool Tower is an observation tower and an entertainment complex, a three-storey block which features an aquarium and cafeteria, Tower Circus, the Tower Ballroom and roof gardens.
The base of the tower sits within the complex.
Source: Yorkshire Coast Radio
Several people who were trapped at the top of Blackpool Tower have been evacuated after firefighters brought a fire in the building under control.
The Victorian attraction was designated a Grade I listed building in 1973. It is the 120th tallest freestanding tower in the world.
Firefighters spent three and a half hours tackling a blaze which broke out on the roof of the iconic landmark. A number of people had been held in a "safe area" at the top of the building while the rest of the tower was evacuated, according to Lancashire Fire Service. There are no reported injuries.
Firefighters were called to reports of a fire on the roof of one of the tower buildings at 12.39pm. It was put out at approximately 4pm. The people at the top of the tower were allowed down once the emergency services had finished checks to confirm it was safe to move them. "Firefighters will remain at the scene for the next few hours to damp down and begin the fire investigation," Lancashire Fire Service said. Six crews of firefighters wearing breathing apparatus fought to extinguish the fire using two hose reels. Four fire engines and an aerial ladder platform attended the scene.
The fire broke out on the fifth floor of the building, where the popular vantage points of the Blackpool Tower Eye and the Sea View Terrace are located.
The historic ballroom, which hosts shows of the hit BBC programme Strictly Come Dancing, was not damaged.
Blackpool Tower is an observation tower and an entertainment complex, a three-storey block which features an aquarium and cafeteria, Tower Circus, the Tower Ballroom and roof gardens.
The base of the tower sits within the complex.
Source: Yorkshire Coast Radio
The fire service in attendance at Blackpool Tower.
3 March 2018 - Two thatched cottages in Monxton destroyed in devastating blaze
The owner of a Grade II listed, thatched cottage has been left “heartbroken” after he watched his home and priceless possessions go up in flames. Steve Nicholls watched on helplessly as 70 firefighters tried to tackle the blaze which started at around 7.50pm on Saturday, destroyed two historic cottages and raged for more than 14 hours. Crews from Basingstoke, Andover, Rushmoor and Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue were dealing with the incident in High Street, Monxton, and evacuated a couple from a third cottage while trying to save their thatched roof from setting alight. Mr Nicholls said: “I was just hoping they were going to save it. I kept looking at the bedroom windows for flames and when I didn’t [see them], I was just hopeful they would save it but eventually I just saw orange and I knew the ceiling had gone. I have lost all my personal possessions in the loft going back to my childhood and I’m absolutely devastated for the house itself. It is over 320 years old and there are parts of it that have been there from when it was built.”
No one was injured in the fire and firefighters were still at the scene on Sunday morning to minimise damage to neighbouring homes. Next door neighbours Peter and Diana Coldicott had their thatched roof sprayed with foam to stop the blaze spreading to their house, with their son Emlyn telling The Advertiser one crew member sat on a ridge spraying their roof all night. While the incident carried on into the morning, the couple, 87 and 91-years-old, stayed in a house across the road, and when they were moved back the fire service had even put the electricity and central heating back on for them. Emlyn Coldicott said: “They really went out of their way to protect the roof they just did everything possible to protect it. The praise for the fire brigade, [my parents] can’t speak highly enough. They were just brilliant. Yesterday [Sunday] morning four of them [firefighters] carried my dad back out in his wheelchair, he felt like royalty! But now my parents are in a bit of shock and they feel very lucky but reasonably shaken.”
Hampshire Fire and Rescue’s official report into the cause of the fire is yet to be released however Mr Nicholls said it was treated as an accidental fire in the thatch and that it was probably smouldering before anyone smelt it for a couple of hours. Fellow Monxton High Street resident Helen Mead said she watched the incident unfold and she is now concerned her own thatched roof could be vulnerable to a fire. She said: “Thatches - can’t do much about it, I’m now terrified if my neighbours get a fire it would spread to mine.” Hampshire Fire and Rescue said while thatch fires are not common, more than 90 per cent of them start as a result of a faulty flue or chimney. Maintaining a good working chimney and ensuring only to burn seasoned or kiln-dried wood in wood burners or open fires are among some of the advice tips listed on the service’s website.
Source: Andover Advertiser
The owner of a Grade II listed, thatched cottage has been left “heartbroken” after he watched his home and priceless possessions go up in flames. Steve Nicholls watched on helplessly as 70 firefighters tried to tackle the blaze which started at around 7.50pm on Saturday, destroyed two historic cottages and raged for more than 14 hours. Crews from Basingstoke, Andover, Rushmoor and Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue were dealing with the incident in High Street, Monxton, and evacuated a couple from a third cottage while trying to save their thatched roof from setting alight. Mr Nicholls said: “I was just hoping they were going to save it. I kept looking at the bedroom windows for flames and when I didn’t [see them], I was just hopeful they would save it but eventually I just saw orange and I knew the ceiling had gone. I have lost all my personal possessions in the loft going back to my childhood and I’m absolutely devastated for the house itself. It is over 320 years old and there are parts of it that have been there from when it was built.”
No one was injured in the fire and firefighters were still at the scene on Sunday morning to minimise damage to neighbouring homes. Next door neighbours Peter and Diana Coldicott had their thatched roof sprayed with foam to stop the blaze spreading to their house, with their son Emlyn telling The Advertiser one crew member sat on a ridge spraying their roof all night. While the incident carried on into the morning, the couple, 87 and 91-years-old, stayed in a house across the road, and when they were moved back the fire service had even put the electricity and central heating back on for them. Emlyn Coldicott said: “They really went out of their way to protect the roof they just did everything possible to protect it. The praise for the fire brigade, [my parents] can’t speak highly enough. They were just brilliant. Yesterday [Sunday] morning four of them [firefighters] carried my dad back out in his wheelchair, he felt like royalty! But now my parents are in a bit of shock and they feel very lucky but reasonably shaken.”
Hampshire Fire and Rescue’s official report into the cause of the fire is yet to be released however Mr Nicholls said it was treated as an accidental fire in the thatch and that it was probably smouldering before anyone smelt it for a couple of hours. Fellow Monxton High Street resident Helen Mead said she watched the incident unfold and she is now concerned her own thatched roof could be vulnerable to a fire. She said: “Thatches - can’t do much about it, I’m now terrified if my neighbours get a fire it would spread to mine.” Hampshire Fire and Rescue said while thatch fires are not common, more than 90 per cent of them start as a result of a faulty flue or chimney. Maintaining a good working chimney and ensuring only to burn seasoned or kiln-dried wood in wood burners or open fires are among some of the advice tips listed on the service’s website.
Source: Andover Advertiser
The back of one of the cottages
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Little remains of the Sowton Cottage
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2 March 2018 – Crews tackle fires at The Swan in Hoxne and the Bell Hotel in Mildenhall
Firefighters have been called to tackle fires at two historic Suffolk pubs this evening.
Crews were first called at around 5.55pm to The Swan in Hoxne to reports of a chimney ‘well alight’. A spokesman for Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service said: “Crews were called to a chimney fire, they extinguished it within an hour.” He added a crew from Stradbroke used a hose reel jet to put out the fire.
The Swan is a truly stunning Grade II listed pub set in the heart of the picturesque village of Hoxne. The pub dates back to 1480 and has a multitude of original features including open beams ceiling, large open fireplaces and wooden floors, giving this pub a truly remarkable character and ambience. The pub is set in one acre of grounds and has a marquee that caters for weddings and functions throughout the year. This pub, with its considerable historic interest, attracts both locals and visitors from far afield that come to drink and dine in these delightful surroundings.
At around 8.20pm, crews were called to another fire at the Bell Hotel in Mildenhall. A spokesman said; “The crews were called to reports of smoke issuing from behind a fireplace. On arrival they discovered a fire under the hearth. They had to cut the hearth away to extinguish the fire.” He added that two crews from Newmarket, one from Bury St Edmunds and one from Mildenhall were sent to the scene. The fire was out and a stop called on the incident at around 9.20pm.
The Grade II listed Hotel dates back to the early 19th century, but has a 16th century core and interior. The ancient oak beams and inglenook fireplaces keeps the old character of the Hotel alive, in the rear courtyard you can still find the original wrought iron rings on the walls where the horses were tied to when resting at the “Coaching Inn”.
Source: EADT
Firefighters have been called to tackle fires at two historic Suffolk pubs this evening.
Crews were first called at around 5.55pm to The Swan in Hoxne to reports of a chimney ‘well alight’. A spokesman for Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service said: “Crews were called to a chimney fire, they extinguished it within an hour.” He added a crew from Stradbroke used a hose reel jet to put out the fire.
The Swan is a truly stunning Grade II listed pub set in the heart of the picturesque village of Hoxne. The pub dates back to 1480 and has a multitude of original features including open beams ceiling, large open fireplaces and wooden floors, giving this pub a truly remarkable character and ambience. The pub is set in one acre of grounds and has a marquee that caters for weddings and functions throughout the year. This pub, with its considerable historic interest, attracts both locals and visitors from far afield that come to drink and dine in these delightful surroundings.
At around 8.20pm, crews were called to another fire at the Bell Hotel in Mildenhall. A spokesman said; “The crews were called to reports of smoke issuing from behind a fireplace. On arrival they discovered a fire under the hearth. They had to cut the hearth away to extinguish the fire.” He added that two crews from Newmarket, one from Bury St Edmunds and one from Mildenhall were sent to the scene. The fire was out and a stop called on the incident at around 9.20pm.
The Grade II listed Hotel dates back to the early 19th century, but has a 16th century core and interior. The ancient oak beams and inglenook fireplaces keeps the old character of the Hotel alive, in the rear courtyard you can still find the original wrought iron rings on the walls where the horses were tied to when resting at the “Coaching Inn”.
Source: EADT
The Swan in Hoxne
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Bell Hotel in Mildenhall
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2 March 2018 - Arrests made after fire that ripped through historic town building.
Two people have been arrested by police investigating a fire that ripped through an historic building in West Wales.
Shortly before 5pm on Friday evening, a blaze broke out on the second floor of the Penlan Workhouse on Brewery Road in Carmarthen and within minutes flames were piercing the roof of the 19th century building. Smoke could be seen from miles away as it bellowed from the second floor of the building and into the freezing Carmarthen air.
A spokesperson for Dyfed-Powys Police said: “Police in Carmarthen are investigating a fire which occurred at approximately 4.50pm on Friday, March 2, at the Old Workhouse, Penlan Road, Carmarthen. The fire is currently being treated as suspicious. No-one was injured during the incident. Two local youths were arrested in connection with the incident and later released under investigation."
A resident who lives nearby said on Friday: “I heard a huge bang and I ran out of my house and saw the workhouse on fire.”
Carmarthen Mayor Alun Lenny says the town has been left “dismayed” by the blaze. “The people of Carmarthen have been alarmed and dismayed by the destruction done to the old Penlan Workhouse, which looks down over the town centre, after it went up in flames on Friday,” said Mr Lenny. “The only blessing is that no-one was hurt in the conflagration, which was fanned by a very strong wind. The firefighters are to be highly commended for preventing the flames from spreading to nearby houses and other buildings, including the workhouse gatehouse (Grade II Listed), where there’s a Blue Plaque noting its historic importance. It was a shame to see the place, which is in private ownership, falling into a derelict condition before the fire, despite the efforts of local ward councillors to try and get it restored. This fire illustrates the danger of leaving old buildings unoccupied and neglected for many years.”
Mr Lenny, in his role as chair of the planning committee at Carmarthenshire Council, said on Monday morning: “Notices were served on the owner of the site in November 2017 to tidy up the land and put the building back into good repair, with an eight month compliance period.
“The owner has appealed against both notices and a hearing is due to be held on April 18.
The workhouse has a unique place in Welsh social history, when the Rebecca Riots, (a series of protests over perceived unfair taxes), stormed the building on June 19, 1843. Hundreds of rioters trashed the workhouse in protest against the Poor Act Law 1834. During the protest, the rioters were attacked by a squadron of Light Dragoons who galloped up Waterloo Terrace in what remains the last ever cavalry charge on mainland Britain.
Source: Wales Online
Two people have been arrested by police investigating a fire that ripped through an historic building in West Wales.
Shortly before 5pm on Friday evening, a blaze broke out on the second floor of the Penlan Workhouse on Brewery Road in Carmarthen and within minutes flames were piercing the roof of the 19th century building. Smoke could be seen from miles away as it bellowed from the second floor of the building and into the freezing Carmarthen air.
A spokesperson for Dyfed-Powys Police said: “Police in Carmarthen are investigating a fire which occurred at approximately 4.50pm on Friday, March 2, at the Old Workhouse, Penlan Road, Carmarthen. The fire is currently being treated as suspicious. No-one was injured during the incident. Two local youths were arrested in connection with the incident and later released under investigation."
A resident who lives nearby said on Friday: “I heard a huge bang and I ran out of my house and saw the workhouse on fire.”
Carmarthen Mayor Alun Lenny says the town has been left “dismayed” by the blaze. “The people of Carmarthen have been alarmed and dismayed by the destruction done to the old Penlan Workhouse, which looks down over the town centre, after it went up in flames on Friday,” said Mr Lenny. “The only blessing is that no-one was hurt in the conflagration, which was fanned by a very strong wind. The firefighters are to be highly commended for preventing the flames from spreading to nearby houses and other buildings, including the workhouse gatehouse (Grade II Listed), where there’s a Blue Plaque noting its historic importance. It was a shame to see the place, which is in private ownership, falling into a derelict condition before the fire, despite the efforts of local ward councillors to try and get it restored. This fire illustrates the danger of leaving old buildings unoccupied and neglected for many years.”
Mr Lenny, in his role as chair of the planning committee at Carmarthenshire Council, said on Monday morning: “Notices were served on the owner of the site in November 2017 to tidy up the land and put the building back into good repair, with an eight month compliance period.
“The owner has appealed against both notices and a hearing is due to be held on April 18.
The workhouse has a unique place in Welsh social history, when the Rebecca Riots, (a series of protests over perceived unfair taxes), stormed the building on June 19, 1843. Hundreds of rioters trashed the workhouse in protest against the Poor Act Law 1834. During the protest, the rioters were attacked by a squadron of Light Dragoons who galloped up Waterloo Terrace in what remains the last ever cavalry charge on mainland Britain.
Source: Wales Online
Penlan Workhouse - Firefighters at the scene (Image: Aysha Taylor and Stephen Davies)
2 March 2018 - Thirty firefighters tackle blaze at The Blackbirds Inn in Woodditton.
Fire has caused substantial damage to the 17th century Grade II listed Blackbirds Inn at Woodditton near Newmarket. The pub/restaurant has for the past two years been owned by the Suffolk-based Chestnut Group who bought it for £580,000 but have since invested heavily in the business. At one stage today more than 30 firefighters were involved in tackling the blaze that the owners say it will remained closed for the foreseeable future. A Cambridgeshire Fire & Rescue Service spokesman said: “The pub has been safely evacuated but the fire is well-developed”.
A statement issued by the owners said there were no customers in the building at the time and all members of staff were able to exit quickly and safely. “The management at The Blackbirds Inn and its parent company, The Chestnut Group, are working with the fire brigade to establish the cause of the fire,” said the statement. Significant damage has been caused to the building and the site will be closed until further notice.”
The Chestnut Group was established in May 2012 by Philip Turner, who wanted to create a portfolio of hostelries that he said “would defy pigeon-holing into the standard classifications of pub, hotel or restaurant, but be simply synonymous with a great experience”. The group now employs over 130 people and includes ownership of the Packhorse Inn in Moulton, the Rupert Brooke in Grantchester, The White Horse in Easton and The Northgate in Bury St Edmunds.
Source: Eastern Daily Press
Fire has caused substantial damage to the 17th century Grade II listed Blackbirds Inn at Woodditton near Newmarket. The pub/restaurant has for the past two years been owned by the Suffolk-based Chestnut Group who bought it for £580,000 but have since invested heavily in the business. At one stage today more than 30 firefighters were involved in tackling the blaze that the owners say it will remained closed for the foreseeable future. A Cambridgeshire Fire & Rescue Service spokesman said: “The pub has been safely evacuated but the fire is well-developed”.
A statement issued by the owners said there were no customers in the building at the time and all members of staff were able to exit quickly and safely. “The management at The Blackbirds Inn and its parent company, The Chestnut Group, are working with the fire brigade to establish the cause of the fire,” said the statement. Significant damage has been caused to the building and the site will be closed until further notice.”
The Chestnut Group was established in May 2012 by Philip Turner, who wanted to create a portfolio of hostelries that he said “would defy pigeon-holing into the standard classifications of pub, hotel or restaurant, but be simply synonymous with a great experience”. The group now employs over 130 people and includes ownership of the Packhorse Inn in Moulton, the Rupert Brooke in Grantchester, The White Horse in Easton and The Northgate in Bury St Edmunds.
Source: Eastern Daily Press
Before and after the major fire at The Blackbirds Inn.
1 March 2018 - Fire crews were called to the Amberley Castle hotel in West Sussex last night after a blaze broke out in a room.
Guests were evacuated to a nearby village hall while firefighters tackled the blaze in the four red-AA-star, Grade I listed, 19-bedroom country house hotel, which is owned by Andrew Brownsword Hotels.
West Sussex Fire and Rescue has said it was called shortly after midnight and discovered the blaze had spread into the roof space above the room. Crews worked throughout the night to protect the property and an investigation into the cause of the blaze will take place today.
John Badley, regional general manager, said: “Following a small fire at Amberley Castle in the early hours of 1 March, all of our guests and staff were safely evacuated and accounted for, with no injuries reported. We are most grateful for the prompt actions of both the fire service and our hotel colleagues who aided the safe evacuation of all guests.”
Source: The Caterer
Guests were evacuated to a nearby village hall while firefighters tackled the blaze in the four red-AA-star, Grade I listed, 19-bedroom country house hotel, which is owned by Andrew Brownsword Hotels.
West Sussex Fire and Rescue has said it was called shortly after midnight and discovered the blaze had spread into the roof space above the room. Crews worked throughout the night to protect the property and an investigation into the cause of the blaze will take place today.
John Badley, regional general manager, said: “Following a small fire at Amberley Castle in the early hours of 1 March, all of our guests and staff were safely evacuated and accounted for, with no injuries reported. We are most grateful for the prompt actions of both the fire service and our hotel colleagues who aided the safe evacuation of all guests.”
Source: The Caterer
Grade I listed Amberley Castle Hotel
Heritage & Ecclesiastical Fire Protection
Preventing Fire, Protecting Life, Preserving Heritage
Click HERE for Expert Specialist Fire Safety Risk Assessments for Historic and Listed Buildings
Preventing Fire, Protecting Life, Preserving Heritage
Click HERE for Expert Specialist Fire Safety Risk Assessments for Historic and Listed Buildings
Phone: 07840 351458 Email: [email protected]
February - 15 Fires
28 February 2018 - Library in historic hall saved
Firefighters saved a priceless library and prevented a chimney fire spreading through an historic hall. Iain and Kate Hill-Trevor were alerted to the chimney fire by the alarm system in the 400-year-old Brynkinalt Hall on the Shropshire/north Wales border and noticed smoke seeping through the wall in one of the rooms.
Fire crews from nearby Chirk as well as Llangollen and Wrexham were quickly on scene after the alarm was raised just after 9pm on Wednesday. Firefighters had to use their highest turntable ladder appliance to reach the top of the chimney of the Grade II* listed hall to attack the fire from above. Other crew members worked in the fire hearth in the library and others from an access door on the first floor.
Mr Hill-Trevor said: "It was a simple chimney fire, but as the building was built in 1612, the construction of it and the flues which all link to one chimney are complex."
Mrs Hill-Trevor said: "We use the library as out sitting room and were in there when the alarms in the building sounded. When we investigated we noticed smoke coming through to wall of another room and realised it was in the flue from the library chimney. We were very lucky that it happened when it did." She said the firefighters were fantastic.
"These things can spread so quickly and there is of course so much combustible material in a library. They worked really quickly and professionally to make sure the fire didn't spread. They spend a long time using specialist equipment and a thermal imaging camera so that they were sure the fire was out. Brynkinalt Hall has been home to the Trevor family since it was built in 1612 and the library was redesigned in the 1800s. There are some incredibly old books in the library, a lot of history and family history that simply can't be replaced. Generations of Trevors and their families have worked hard to maintain the house. We are so grateful to the fire service for their hard work and expertise. Thankfully there was minimal damage as a result of their swift and thorough response."
Source: Shropshire Star
Firefighters saved a priceless library and prevented a chimney fire spreading through an historic hall. Iain and Kate Hill-Trevor were alerted to the chimney fire by the alarm system in the 400-year-old Brynkinalt Hall on the Shropshire/north Wales border and noticed smoke seeping through the wall in one of the rooms.
Fire crews from nearby Chirk as well as Llangollen and Wrexham were quickly on scene after the alarm was raised just after 9pm on Wednesday. Firefighters had to use their highest turntable ladder appliance to reach the top of the chimney of the Grade II* listed hall to attack the fire from above. Other crew members worked in the fire hearth in the library and others from an access door on the first floor.
Mr Hill-Trevor said: "It was a simple chimney fire, but as the building was built in 1612, the construction of it and the flues which all link to one chimney are complex."
Mrs Hill-Trevor said: "We use the library as out sitting room and were in there when the alarms in the building sounded. When we investigated we noticed smoke coming through to wall of another room and realised it was in the flue from the library chimney. We were very lucky that it happened when it did." She said the firefighters were fantastic.
"These things can spread so quickly and there is of course so much combustible material in a library. They worked really quickly and professionally to make sure the fire didn't spread. They spend a long time using specialist equipment and a thermal imaging camera so that they were sure the fire was out. Brynkinalt Hall has been home to the Trevor family since it was built in 1612 and the library was redesigned in the 1800s. There are some incredibly old books in the library, a lot of history and family history that simply can't be replaced. Generations of Trevors and their families have worked hard to maintain the house. We are so grateful to the fire service for their hard work and expertise. Thankfully there was minimal damage as a result of their swift and thorough response."
Source: Shropshire Star
Fire Crews outside Brynkinalt Hall
28 February 2018 - Pictures show devastation of derelict Cornwall Council and Penwith Council listed building in Penzance after suspected arson.
An arson investigation has been launched after a fire destroyed former council buildings in Penzance. Fire crews were called to the former Cornwall Council One-Stop Shop and Penwith District Council offices in St Clare Street, Penzance. Crews had to smash their way into the building to gain access to the fire.
While an arson investigation is underway, fire crews said it was also possible the fire could have started as a result of an electrical fault at the rear of the building but it will be up to the investigation to determine whether the fire truly was accidental or criminal.
The fire started after 8pm on Wednesday (February 28) at York House, a Grade II listed building built in 1825, and it took until 3am to bring under control. Five crews in total were in attendance at the derelict site.
Penzance residents have taken to social media to express their concern, dismay and to wonder who could benefit from the fire, especially if the site becomes too damaged and unsafe and needs to be pulled down.
Source: Cornwall Live
This is the damage caused by the fire at York House. (Image: Greg Martin)
27 February 2018 - Bishopswood Chapel near Chard and neighbouring bungalow badly damaged by fire
A fire has torn through two buildings near Chard including a family home and an historic community chapel. The buildings in the village of Bishopswood went up in flames yesterday afternoon (February 27). Four pumps from Chard, Ilminster and Taunton were sent to the scene in Bishopswood in Chard at 2.15pm, where a bungalow was already well alight with gas, mains electric and an oil storage tanker also involved. Two further pumps were called as the fire had begun to spread to an adjoining property. Western Power were also called in to isolate the mains electricity supply.
Crews got to work with breathing apparatus, main jets, compressed air foam, thermal imaging cameras and small tools to begin to tackle the fire. The fire broke out in a bungalow and spread to the adjoining chapel and by the time the blaze was extinguished both properties had suffered severe fire damage. A spokesman for Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue said: "Our crews extinguished the fire using three compressed air foam jets, three 45mm jets, four breathing apparatus, thermal image camera, small tools and a triple ext ladder. The cause of the fire was accidental."
The Bishopswood Chapel was built in 1874, and is one of two remaining chapels of the Blackdown Hills Mission, which dates back to 1787.
Source: Somerset Live
A fire has torn through two buildings near Chard including a family home and an historic community chapel. The buildings in the village of Bishopswood went up in flames yesterday afternoon (February 27). Four pumps from Chard, Ilminster and Taunton were sent to the scene in Bishopswood in Chard at 2.15pm, where a bungalow was already well alight with gas, mains electric and an oil storage tanker also involved. Two further pumps were called as the fire had begun to spread to an adjoining property. Western Power were also called in to isolate the mains electricity supply.
Crews got to work with breathing apparatus, main jets, compressed air foam, thermal imaging cameras and small tools to begin to tackle the fire. The fire broke out in a bungalow and spread to the adjoining chapel and by the time the blaze was extinguished both properties had suffered severe fire damage. A spokesman for Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue said: "Our crews extinguished the fire using three compressed air foam jets, three 45mm jets, four breathing apparatus, thermal image camera, small tools and a triple ext ladder. The cause of the fire was accidental."
The Bishopswood Chapel was built in 1874, and is one of two remaining chapels of the Blackdown Hills Mission, which dates back to 1787.
Source: Somerset Live
Bishopswood Chapel was destroyed in the fire
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Little remains of the interior
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24 February 2018 - Firefighters tackle blaze at historic Dalkeith home
Firefighters spent almost three hours tackling a fire last Saturday night at a £850,000 home in Dalkeith which dates back to 1680. Crews were alerted to a roof fire at the historic building off Newbattle Road at 11.15pm.
The former Newbattle Golf Club clubhouse was cordoned off while firefighters tackled the blaze at the two-storey building. Three hose lines and a portable pump were used to extinguish the fire, with crews fighting the flames until 1.55am. No one was harmed in the incident. The police said there were no criminal proceedings taking place.
Source: Midlothian Advertiser
Firefighters spent almost three hours tackling a fire last Saturday night at a £850,000 home in Dalkeith which dates back to 1680. Crews were alerted to a roof fire at the historic building off Newbattle Road at 11.15pm.
The former Newbattle Golf Club clubhouse was cordoned off while firefighters tackled the blaze at the two-storey building. Three hose lines and a portable pump were used to extinguish the fire, with crews fighting the flames until 1.55am. No one was harmed in the incident. The police said there were no criminal proceedings taking place.
Source: Midlothian Advertiser
The fire damage at the former club house of Newbattle Golf Club.
24 February 2018 - Fire at Warwick Mill in Middleton
A blaze broke out at the 200,000 sq.ft Grade II listed Warwick Mill on Oldham Road, Middleton in the early hours of Saturday morning and involved a large quantity of timber and rubbish on the ground floor of the derelict mill. The fire had spread from the ground floor to the first floor of the five story building when eight crews and other specialist units from Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service arrived. Firefighters wearing breathing apparatus were tackling the blaze using jets and are ventilating the building. Station Manager Paul Duggan said: “Our crews have the fire at the derelict building under control and are fighting the fire on the ground floor and the first floor of the mill.”
By 7am the fire was now out and the incident was scaled down to two pumps who are monitoring the mill for hot spots using a thermal imaging camera. All surrounding roads and roundabouts are now open. The Officer in Charge, Watch Manager Tony Doyle said: “Crews did a fantastic job in controlling the fire and stopping it from spreading to any further floors. We have now been able to scale down the incident, but there is still smoke on higher floors and firefighters are continuing to monitor the mill for hot spots. All roads have reopened in the surrounding areas and the incident will likely close later today.”
The red brick mill was designed by George Stott and built in 1907. In 2015, developers unveiled a £50m plan to convert Warwick Mill into a major business and leisure scheme. Rebranded as "Red Warwick", the plans were to also open the landmark building to the public through restaurants and cafes at ground floor level. Robert Wong, director of G-Suite said, “Red Warwick is a truly sustainable development that protects the integrity and legacy of Warwick Mill and the human history within its walls. The redevelopment will provide a much-needed new lease of life for this incredible space.” It was expected to have been completed by the end of 2017, but is still lying in a derelict condition.
Source: Rochdale Online
A blaze broke out at the 200,000 sq.ft Grade II listed Warwick Mill on Oldham Road, Middleton in the early hours of Saturday morning and involved a large quantity of timber and rubbish on the ground floor of the derelict mill. The fire had spread from the ground floor to the first floor of the five story building when eight crews and other specialist units from Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service arrived. Firefighters wearing breathing apparatus were tackling the blaze using jets and are ventilating the building. Station Manager Paul Duggan said: “Our crews have the fire at the derelict building under control and are fighting the fire on the ground floor and the first floor of the mill.”
By 7am the fire was now out and the incident was scaled down to two pumps who are monitoring the mill for hot spots using a thermal imaging camera. All surrounding roads and roundabouts are now open. The Officer in Charge, Watch Manager Tony Doyle said: “Crews did a fantastic job in controlling the fire and stopping it from spreading to any further floors. We have now been able to scale down the incident, but there is still smoke on higher floors and firefighters are continuing to monitor the mill for hot spots. All roads have reopened in the surrounding areas and the incident will likely close later today.”
The red brick mill was designed by George Stott and built in 1907. In 2015, developers unveiled a £50m plan to convert Warwick Mill into a major business and leisure scheme. Rebranded as "Red Warwick", the plans were to also open the landmark building to the public through restaurants and cafes at ground floor level. Robert Wong, director of G-Suite said, “Red Warwick is a truly sustainable development that protects the integrity and legacy of Warwick Mill and the human history within its walls. The redevelopment will provide a much-needed new lease of life for this incredible space.” It was expected to have been completed by the end of 2017, but is still lying in a derelict condition.
Source: Rochdale Online
Warwick Mill, Middleton still lies in a derelict condition (stock image)
23 February 2018 - Halstead wine bar: Thirty firefighters bring flames under control
Thirty firefighters have tackled a blaze in a wine bar in Essex which is believed to have started accidentally. The fire started on the first floor of Whispers Wine Bar building in High Street, Halstead, just after 11:00 GMT. It is a Grade II listed building and due to its age and wooden structure the flames spread through the building to the roof, the fire service said. Crews fought the blaze from the outside of the building and from the flat roof at the back of the building by removing roof tiles to reach hot spots.
The flames took four hours to extinguish and crews remained on site checking for further hot spots until early evening. Incident Commander Craig McLellan said: "The initial crews got the fire under control and stopped the fire spreading to several other businesses and properties. The incident has been made more complicated because of the age and make-up of the building and roof area." One property had smoke damage, water has penetrated the wine bar's ground floor and the first floor is severely affected by flames while the roof has been destroyed. The fire appears to have started in the kitchen and is being treated as accidental by the fire service. The High Street will remain closed and two fire engines will stay at the incident until the scene is completely cooled and safe, the fire service said.
Source: BBC News
Thirty firefighters have tackled a blaze in a wine bar in Essex which is believed to have started accidentally. The fire started on the first floor of Whispers Wine Bar building in High Street, Halstead, just after 11:00 GMT. It is a Grade II listed building and due to its age and wooden structure the flames spread through the building to the roof, the fire service said. Crews fought the blaze from the outside of the building and from the flat roof at the back of the building by removing roof tiles to reach hot spots.
The flames took four hours to extinguish and crews remained on site checking for further hot spots until early evening. Incident Commander Craig McLellan said: "The initial crews got the fire under control and stopped the fire spreading to several other businesses and properties. The incident has been made more complicated because of the age and make-up of the building and roof area." One property had smoke damage, water has penetrated the wine bar's ground floor and the first floor is severely affected by flames while the roof has been destroyed. The fire appears to have started in the kitchen and is being treated as accidental by the fire service. The High Street will remain closed and two fire engines will stay at the incident until the scene is completely cooled and safe, the fire service said.
Source: BBC News
Crews took more than four hours to extinguish the flames at the wine bar in Halstead (Picture: Wayne Smith)
23 February 2018 - Firefighters save £2.8m house on river in thatched roof blaze.
Seven fire crews from two counties tackled a massive blaze at a family’s riverside home in Goring.
The fire broke out in a thatched roof at the southern end of The Boat House, a large, historic timber-framed Victorian property off High Street, at about 9.45pm on Friday. It spread quickly and the glow from the flames could be seen from as far away as Didcot.
The owners — a couple with a young daughter — were not at home at the time. Passers-by called 999 and crews from Wallingford fire station and Caversham Road station in Reading were first on the scene followed by five engines from Thame, Oxford and Eynsham. Firefighters wearing breathing apparatus tackled the fire with water pumped from the River Thames and had the flames under control by the early hours of the Saturday morning.
The blaze gutted the upper floor of the five-bedroom house and caused smoke damage to other parts of the property. Incident commander Darran Hookway said: “The roof was fully alight and crews worked through the night under some very demanding conditions to prevent the fire spreading into the main part of the house. Unfortunately, the thatched part of the house was completely involved so the first floor area was lost.”
Group manager Jason Crapper said: “Despite the timber construction and the complexities associated with the layout of the premises, firefighters were able to save a large part of the structure although the thatched parts of the premises were severely damaged by fire.
“Given the time at which this fire occurred, it is fortunate that it was spotted by passers-by otherwise the losses could have been even greater. I’m hopeful that the rapid intervention will enable the building to be repaired.” Fire crews remained at the scene throughout Saturday as the debris was still smouldering and had to use more water when the fire reignited several times.
Walkers on Goring bridge and the footpath at Goring lock, which overlook the site, stopped to watch the drama. In the afternoon, the firefighters pulled clumps of thatch from the wreckage using a hydraulic excavator while utility firm SSE dug up the driveway and shut off the electricity for safety reasons. Crews kept watch overnight before leaving on Sunday.
The property was built in the late 19th century and extensively refurbished before being sold for £2.83 million in June last year. About two-thirds of the roof is tiled but the original 62ft boathouse, which had living areas above it, was thatched. It was once owned by explorer Charles Gardiner, after whom the village’s Gardiner recreation ground is named, and later by Frederick Shoolbred, who also owned Thames Bank in Thames Road.
The cause of the fire is being investigated but it is not being treated as suspicious. The owners did not want to comment.
Source: Henley Standard
Seven fire crews from two counties tackled a massive blaze at a family’s riverside home in Goring.
The fire broke out in a thatched roof at the southern end of The Boat House, a large, historic timber-framed Victorian property off High Street, at about 9.45pm on Friday. It spread quickly and the glow from the flames could be seen from as far away as Didcot.
The owners — a couple with a young daughter — were not at home at the time. Passers-by called 999 and crews from Wallingford fire station and Caversham Road station in Reading were first on the scene followed by five engines from Thame, Oxford and Eynsham. Firefighters wearing breathing apparatus tackled the fire with water pumped from the River Thames and had the flames under control by the early hours of the Saturday morning.
The blaze gutted the upper floor of the five-bedroom house and caused smoke damage to other parts of the property. Incident commander Darran Hookway said: “The roof was fully alight and crews worked through the night under some very demanding conditions to prevent the fire spreading into the main part of the house. Unfortunately, the thatched part of the house was completely involved so the first floor area was lost.”
Group manager Jason Crapper said: “Despite the timber construction and the complexities associated with the layout of the premises, firefighters were able to save a large part of the structure although the thatched parts of the premises were severely damaged by fire.
“Given the time at which this fire occurred, it is fortunate that it was spotted by passers-by otherwise the losses could have been even greater. I’m hopeful that the rapid intervention will enable the building to be repaired.” Fire crews remained at the scene throughout Saturday as the debris was still smouldering and had to use more water when the fire reignited several times.
Walkers on Goring bridge and the footpath at Goring lock, which overlook the site, stopped to watch the drama. In the afternoon, the firefighters pulled clumps of thatch from the wreckage using a hydraulic excavator while utility firm SSE dug up the driveway and shut off the electricity for safety reasons. Crews kept watch overnight before leaving on Sunday.
The property was built in the late 19th century and extensively refurbished before being sold for £2.83 million in June last year. About two-thirds of the roof is tiled but the original 62ft boathouse, which had living areas above it, was thatched. It was once owned by explorer Charles Gardiner, after whom the village’s Gardiner recreation ground is named, and later by Frederick Shoolbred, who also owned Thames Bank in Thames Road.
The cause of the fire is being investigated but it is not being treated as suspicious. The owners did not want to comment.
Source: Henley Standard
The roof of a thatched house in Goring-on-Thames has been "mostly destroyed" in a fire overnight.
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Six fire crews from two counties were sent to tackle a massive blaze at a thatched home in Goring.
The thatched parts of the premises were severely damaged by fire.
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22 February 2018 - Police investigate fire at former Belfast Telegraph building.
A fire at the former Belfast Telegraph building in Belfast city centre is being investigated by police.
One room in the four-storey Category B2 listed building on Royal Avenue suffered "substantial damage" in the blaze which started on the first floor at around 3.30am on 22nd February.
The two crews initially dispatched to the scene had to call on back-up and eight appliances fought to extinguish the fire.
No-one was in the building at the time and the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service said the cause of the blaze is not clear. District commander Carl Dorris said while the rest of the building was untouched by the fire, which was "quickly extinguished", it was "heavily smoke-logged so using breathing apparatus we conducted a search of the scene and ventilated the building".
The Belfast Telegraph moved out of the building in 2016, after almost 130 years which saw the newspaper printed there for a substantial part of its residence. The former printing halls have been used since late last year by promoters Shine for music events.
Source: The Irish News
The former Belfast Telegraph Building
20 February 2018 - Residents evacuated after fire in Embassy Court in Kings Road, Brighton.
Residents were evacuated from their homes around 6.15pm as a fire took hold of a flat at Embassy Court in Kings Road, Brighton. Six fire engine crews fought the blaze in the flat on the second floor of the 11 storey Grade II listed building on the seafront.
An East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service spokeswoman said no one was injured. Residents were evacuated from the building as firefighters dealt with the incident.
One resident, 35, said: “We could see some flames in the flat, and a little while later we could see smoke. They put it out relatively quickly and then we could see the firefighters inside with their torches. It was quite shocking that happening in our building.”
Georgia Smith, 25, who lived across from the block of flats, said: “I walked around the corner and there were lots of fire engines, then I could see firefighters on an aerial ladder shining a light into the flat. People who lived in the flats all came out. It was cleared up very quickly though."
Source: The Argus
Residents were evacuated from their homes around 6.15pm as a fire took hold of a flat at Embassy Court in Kings Road, Brighton. Six fire engine crews fought the blaze in the flat on the second floor of the 11 storey Grade II listed building on the seafront.
An East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service spokeswoman said no one was injured. Residents were evacuated from the building as firefighters dealt with the incident.
One resident, 35, said: “We could see some flames in the flat, and a little while later we could see smoke. They put it out relatively quickly and then we could see the firefighters inside with their torches. It was quite shocking that happening in our building.”
Georgia Smith, 25, who lived across from the block of flats, said: “I walked around the corner and there were lots of fire engines, then I could see firefighters on an aerial ladder shining a light into the flat. People who lived in the flats all came out. It was cleared up very quickly though."
Source: The Argus
Smoke Visible around the Embassy Court, Brighton
18 February 2018 - Fire causes '£15,000 of damage' to historic church
A historic church is believed to have suffered around £15,000 of damage in a fire. Firefighters tackled the blaze at the church on Sunday afternoon but could not save some statues and other parts of the church were also damaged. The fire broke out at Holy Infant and St Anthony Church, Baxendale Street in Astley Bridge, at around 2pm and a passer-by called the fire service after seeing smoke billowing from the building.
It was originally believed the fire was started by candles but is now thought to have been an electrical fault. It broke out near the altar and involved the main hall and the roof of the church. The priest, Father Billy Molloy, had been away from the church at the time, giving holy communion to people in the community who are housebound and came back to get a knock on the door saying there was a fire. The fire was only smouldering and did not spread but the church was heavily smoke-logged.
Barbara Maycroft, aged 78, attends the church and spoke to the priest this morning about what happened. She said: "They thought it was a candle but father this morning said it was electrical. A passer-by saw the smoke and called the fire service. The father was out giving holy communion to the housebound. Looking at it this morning there is a lot of damage at the alter and statues were destroyed. It will require around £15,000 of work on it father said and it will also need decorating again. I go pretty much every day. It is very sad."
Mass is being held in the presbytery this week while the damage is repaired but it is hoped mass can return to the church this weekend. Fire service watch manager, Craig Cubbins said: “The priest let us into the church and the quick actions of both the priest and the member of the public helped to prevent the fire from spreading. The church will need redecorating because the congregation area was heavily smoke-logged.” A resident said she was in her home opposite the church when she heard sirens and came to the window to see what was going on. She said there was three fire engines outside and they closed Baxendale Street to allow firefighters to tackle the blaze. Six firefighters tackled the fire using hose reels and fans to clear the smoke. Burnt debris, including a statue, could be seen outside the church today.
Last year, the church celebrated its 140th anniversary with a mass led by the Bishop of Salford, John Arnold. The church opened as a Mission Parish in 1877 and until 1978 was served by priests from St Mary's in Bolton. The present church dates from 1902 and was designed by ‘Mr Bromley’, the contractor being Jones and Son. It was designed to seat 600. The old church, which stood on the site of the present car park, was incorporated into the school and the basement became a men’s club. A porch incorporating a baptistery was added in 1969 from designs by Greenhalgh & Williams. A replacement school was built in the 1970s.
Source: The Bolton News
A historic church is believed to have suffered around £15,000 of damage in a fire. Firefighters tackled the blaze at the church on Sunday afternoon but could not save some statues and other parts of the church were also damaged. The fire broke out at Holy Infant and St Anthony Church, Baxendale Street in Astley Bridge, at around 2pm and a passer-by called the fire service after seeing smoke billowing from the building.
It was originally believed the fire was started by candles but is now thought to have been an electrical fault. It broke out near the altar and involved the main hall and the roof of the church. The priest, Father Billy Molloy, had been away from the church at the time, giving holy communion to people in the community who are housebound and came back to get a knock on the door saying there was a fire. The fire was only smouldering and did not spread but the church was heavily smoke-logged.
Barbara Maycroft, aged 78, attends the church and spoke to the priest this morning about what happened. She said: "They thought it was a candle but father this morning said it was electrical. A passer-by saw the smoke and called the fire service. The father was out giving holy communion to the housebound. Looking at it this morning there is a lot of damage at the alter and statues were destroyed. It will require around £15,000 of work on it father said and it will also need decorating again. I go pretty much every day. It is very sad."
Mass is being held in the presbytery this week while the damage is repaired but it is hoped mass can return to the church this weekend. Fire service watch manager, Craig Cubbins said: “The priest let us into the church and the quick actions of both the priest and the member of the public helped to prevent the fire from spreading. The church will need redecorating because the congregation area was heavily smoke-logged.” A resident said she was in her home opposite the church when she heard sirens and came to the window to see what was going on. She said there was three fire engines outside and they closed Baxendale Street to allow firefighters to tackle the blaze. Six firefighters tackled the fire using hose reels and fans to clear the smoke. Burnt debris, including a statue, could be seen outside the church today.
Last year, the church celebrated its 140th anniversary with a mass led by the Bishop of Salford, John Arnold. The church opened as a Mission Parish in 1877 and until 1978 was served by priests from St Mary's in Bolton. The present church dates from 1902 and was designed by ‘Mr Bromley’, the contractor being Jones and Son. It was designed to seat 600. The old church, which stood on the site of the present car park, was incorporated into the school and the basement became a men’s club. A porch incorporating a baptistery was added in 1969 from designs by Greenhalgh & Williams. A replacement school was built in the 1970s.
Source: The Bolton News
The present church dates from 1902
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The fire broke out near the altar and involved the main hall and the roof of the church.
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17 February 2018 - More than 50 firefighters tackle huge fire on Great Portland Street in central London
At least 50 firefighters responded to a huge fire on Great Portland Street in London. London Fire Brigade (LFB) said it was called to reports of a fire at 12.45pm on Great Portland Street, where officers were still establishing the situation. The London Fire Brigade said: ‘The Great Portland Street fire is in a building under refurbishment. ‘There are a number of gas cylinders involved in the blaze. ‘A exclusion zone of 25 metres has been set up, as a precaution, as some cylinders can explode when exposed to heat.’
The road is close to Oxford Street – the capital’s busiest shopping hub. A column of acrid black smoke could be seen rising from the fire in pictures posted on social media, apparently visible from miles away against the blue afternoon skyline. Calls to the fire service had suggested that the fire had either broken out close to or in a building site, an LFB spokesman said. Ten fire engines had been dispatched to battle the flames, he said. Videos on the scene shared on social media showed flames licking up the buildings and acrid plumes of smoke filling the street. The blaze is close to the BBC’s London headquarters. Witnesses shared footage of thick smoke and flames leaping up a scaffold structure surrounding a building on the road. More than 40 people have already called 999 about the fire, LFB said. No injuries have yet been reported from the scene of the fire in London’s West End, Scotland Yard said.
Number 94 Great Portland Street is a Grade II listed, late 18th century Georgian building with four storeys and a basement. It lies within the Harley Street conservation area.
A Blue Plaque on the building commemorates that David Edward Hughes (1831 – 1900), inventor of the microphone, lived and worked at the address. A man of diverse gifts and enormous technical vision, David Edward Hughes came up two major inventions and significantly advanced electrical science. The son of a musically talented family hailing originally from Bala, his parents and older siblings spent much of their time touring the concert halls of Britain. Thus history records Hughes’ place of his birth as London, although one Welsh researcher claims there is evidence to suggest he was in fact born at Corwen in Denbighshire. When David was seven the family emigrated to America. By the age of nineteen his prodigious musical ability had earned him a college professorship in Kentucky.
Alongside his teaching, Hughes was a keen scientist and mechanic who devised a machine for taking down musical notes as they were played. The notes were registered on a mechanical keyboard that sent them to a printing device. He had accidentally invented a telegraph printer. The Hughes Printer was patented in 1855. It became standard equipment for many for many of the new telegraph companies then springing up around the world and remained in use until the 1930’s. It was the forerunner of the teleprinter, the telex and in some respects even the computer. Meanwhile early telephone systems were being hampered by the poor quality of their voice reproduction. Hughes solved the problem after noticing that a loose connection in a battery-driven circuit connected to the mouthpiece would tend to reproduce the sounds made into it.
Hughes’ carbon microphone was the prototype of all the microphones in use today. It was a formidable achievement, but one for which he received not a single penny. Already being more than comfortably off, he declined to take out a patent. Perhaps this lack of pushiness accounts for the lack of credit he has received for his role in the early days of radio. In 1879 he successfully transmitted signals from over a distance of several hundred metres, predating Marconi’s first experiments by sixteen years. Hughes thought it not worth mentioning until a magazine article of 1899.
Source: Metro
At least 50 firefighters responded to a huge fire on Great Portland Street in London. London Fire Brigade (LFB) said it was called to reports of a fire at 12.45pm on Great Portland Street, where officers were still establishing the situation. The London Fire Brigade said: ‘The Great Portland Street fire is in a building under refurbishment. ‘There are a number of gas cylinders involved in the blaze. ‘A exclusion zone of 25 metres has been set up, as a precaution, as some cylinders can explode when exposed to heat.’
The road is close to Oxford Street – the capital’s busiest shopping hub. A column of acrid black smoke could be seen rising from the fire in pictures posted on social media, apparently visible from miles away against the blue afternoon skyline. Calls to the fire service had suggested that the fire had either broken out close to or in a building site, an LFB spokesman said. Ten fire engines had been dispatched to battle the flames, he said. Videos on the scene shared on social media showed flames licking up the buildings and acrid plumes of smoke filling the street. The blaze is close to the BBC’s London headquarters. Witnesses shared footage of thick smoke and flames leaping up a scaffold structure surrounding a building on the road. More than 40 people have already called 999 about the fire, LFB said. No injuries have yet been reported from the scene of the fire in London’s West End, Scotland Yard said.
Number 94 Great Portland Street is a Grade II listed, late 18th century Georgian building with four storeys and a basement. It lies within the Harley Street conservation area.
A Blue Plaque on the building commemorates that David Edward Hughes (1831 – 1900), inventor of the microphone, lived and worked at the address. A man of diverse gifts and enormous technical vision, David Edward Hughes came up two major inventions and significantly advanced electrical science. The son of a musically talented family hailing originally from Bala, his parents and older siblings spent much of their time touring the concert halls of Britain. Thus history records Hughes’ place of his birth as London, although one Welsh researcher claims there is evidence to suggest he was in fact born at Corwen in Denbighshire. When David was seven the family emigrated to America. By the age of nineteen his prodigious musical ability had earned him a college professorship in Kentucky.
Alongside his teaching, Hughes was a keen scientist and mechanic who devised a machine for taking down musical notes as they were played. The notes were registered on a mechanical keyboard that sent them to a printing device. He had accidentally invented a telegraph printer. The Hughes Printer was patented in 1855. It became standard equipment for many for many of the new telegraph companies then springing up around the world and remained in use until the 1930’s. It was the forerunner of the teleprinter, the telex and in some respects even the computer. Meanwhile early telephone systems were being hampered by the poor quality of their voice reproduction. Hughes solved the problem after noticing that a loose connection in a battery-driven circuit connected to the mouthpiece would tend to reproduce the sounds made into it.
Hughes’ carbon microphone was the prototype of all the microphones in use today. It was a formidable achievement, but one for which he received not a single penny. Already being more than comfortably off, he declined to take out a patent. Perhaps this lack of pushiness accounts for the lack of credit he has received for his role in the early days of radio. In 1879 he successfully transmitted signals from over a distance of several hundred metres, predating Marconi’s first experiments by sixteen years. Hughes thought it not worth mentioning until a magazine article of 1899.
Source: Metro
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More than 50 firefighters tackle huge fire on Great Portland Street
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13 February 2018 - Ashby mill destroyed in blaze
The fire in Burton Road, Ashby, began at 7.30pm last night at Holywell Mill. The
late nineteenth century former flour mill destroyed in the huge blaze belonged to the leader of Leicestershire County Council. Nick Rushton, who said he was shocked by what had happened, revealed the derelict Holywell Mill in Burton Road, Ashby, had been due to be demolished next month. He said the five-storey building was built in the 1800s as a flour mill but had been “in pretty poor order” recently. A request to have the building listed failed as English Heritage said, “When considered in a national context, the mill complex lacks the degree of special architectural interest for a building of its type and period to justify a listing recommendation.
The cause of the blaze, which was battled by fire crews from Leicestershire and Derbyshire, is still under investigation, but Councillor Rushton said he suspected it was arson. He said: “I was watching TV at home at 7.30pm last night and my son-in-law called from Mansfield after seeing it on Facebook and he told me that the mill was on fire. I rushed down there and it was well alight. It’s stupid of someone to set fire to it because they could set themselves alight or damage homes belonging to third parties in the area. Fortunately it’s fairly isolated.” He said the building had stood empty since November but that during the time his company Dunkin Rushton Ltd owned it, there have been up to about 20 tenants, including a taxi firm and a dog parlour. He said: “We have planning permission to demolish the building and build 24 town houses on the site. It was scheduled for demolition on February 1 and then rescheduled for early March.”
A resident in the area told the Mercury they were worried about the fate of the bats living in the building but Councillor Rushton said he could be certain no bats were in there at the time of the blaze. He said: “Nine hours before the fire started we had a bat survey carried out inside the building and it found there were no bats.” He told the Mercury he had tried to stop vandals breaking into the building. “Every day I’ve had a man down there putting up fencing and nailing up doors but every other day someone’s been inside the building doing damage. Now it’s burned flat. It’s shocking, really, that people got in there and burned it down.”
The fire is thought to have started on the first floor but has spread and broken through the roof of the property. The firefighting operation continued throughout this morning as the remains of the building continued to smoulder and Burton Road was closed to traffic. Watch Manager Grey Ayres from Wigston fire station told the Mercury the first calls had been about smoke seen coming from the roof. He said: "When the crews attended fire had broken out. This fire rapidly spread and this building has been fully involved in fire. Local areas have been affected. The road that leads to the site has had to be closed due to water run-off making it dangerous. The cause of the fire will be under investigation."
At the height of the fire, residents were warned to keep their windows closed and avoid breathing in the smoke. One nearby resident, Andrea Barnett, told the Mercury on Tuesday night: "The flames were coming out of the roof. It's a huge fire." A Leicestershire Police spokesperson said that nobody was injured in the incident.
Source: Leicestershire Live
The fire in Burton Road, Ashby, began at 7.30pm last night at Holywell Mill. The
late nineteenth century former flour mill destroyed in the huge blaze belonged to the leader of Leicestershire County Council. Nick Rushton, who said he was shocked by what had happened, revealed the derelict Holywell Mill in Burton Road, Ashby, had been due to be demolished next month. He said the five-storey building was built in the 1800s as a flour mill but had been “in pretty poor order” recently. A request to have the building listed failed as English Heritage said, “When considered in a national context, the mill complex lacks the degree of special architectural interest for a building of its type and period to justify a listing recommendation.
The cause of the blaze, which was battled by fire crews from Leicestershire and Derbyshire, is still under investigation, but Councillor Rushton said he suspected it was arson. He said: “I was watching TV at home at 7.30pm last night and my son-in-law called from Mansfield after seeing it on Facebook and he told me that the mill was on fire. I rushed down there and it was well alight. It’s stupid of someone to set fire to it because they could set themselves alight or damage homes belonging to third parties in the area. Fortunately it’s fairly isolated.” He said the building had stood empty since November but that during the time his company Dunkin Rushton Ltd owned it, there have been up to about 20 tenants, including a taxi firm and a dog parlour. He said: “We have planning permission to demolish the building and build 24 town houses on the site. It was scheduled for demolition on February 1 and then rescheduled for early March.”
A resident in the area told the Mercury they were worried about the fate of the bats living in the building but Councillor Rushton said he could be certain no bats were in there at the time of the blaze. He said: “Nine hours before the fire started we had a bat survey carried out inside the building and it found there were no bats.” He told the Mercury he had tried to stop vandals breaking into the building. “Every day I’ve had a man down there putting up fencing and nailing up doors but every other day someone’s been inside the building doing damage. Now it’s burned flat. It’s shocking, really, that people got in there and burned it down.”
The fire is thought to have started on the first floor but has spread and broken through the roof of the property. The firefighting operation continued throughout this morning as the remains of the building continued to smoulder and Burton Road was closed to traffic. Watch Manager Grey Ayres from Wigston fire station told the Mercury the first calls had been about smoke seen coming from the roof. He said: "When the crews attended fire had broken out. This fire rapidly spread and this building has been fully involved in fire. Local areas have been affected. The road that leads to the site has had to be closed due to water run-off making it dangerous. The cause of the fire will be under investigation."
At the height of the fire, residents were warned to keep their windows closed and avoid breathing in the smoke. One nearby resident, Andrea Barnett, told the Mercury on Tuesday night: "The flames were coming out of the roof. It's a huge fire." A Leicestershire Police spokesperson said that nobody was injured in the incident.
Source: Leicestershire Live
The fire burned all night
12 February 2018 - Firefighters tackle Suffolk station fire as rail services resume
Rail travellers in east Suffolk faced hours of disruption today after a major fire at a disused station building brought services to a standstill – and left an art project in jeopardy. Six fire crews spent more than two hours battling the blaze at Saxmundham railway station as flames leapt from the roof and plumes of smoke billowed high into the sky. Greater Anglia was forced to close the East Suffolk line between Ipswich and Lowestoft, with services unable to resume until after 6pm. The fire came as a major blow to Art Station project, which was redeveloping the building as a contemporary art space for the station’s 3,000 weekly users. Artist and project lead Clare Palmier: “I’m very upset at the damage to this fine period station building and the potential loss to the community of a building for the arts. Lots of hard work and energy from so many people has gone into this project.
A Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service spokesman said the fire was in an “old station building” and there was “no threat to public safety”. They added most of the damage was confined to the roof. Greater Anglia said: “We won’t know what the future holds until a full assessment is carried out.” The East Suffolk Travellers Association (ESTA) said there had been various attempts to bring the building back into use in recent years. David Adams, ESTA’s Saxmundham committee member added: “Unfortunately, the building had been vandalised time and again and so this is almost an expected outcome.” The Art Station project represented the most developed plans for it in years. Organisers had agreed a lease with Greater Anglia and wanted to raise £1.5million for the work to breathe new life into the building. The project launched last June, with a virtual reality installation by award winning artist Emily Godden.
The main station building remains the focal point of a complex of fine Victorian railway, commercial and residential buildings that served this busy junction and its employees of the East Suffolk Railway. The station used to be home to a café, travel office and a number of other small businesses. Saxmundham Station opened in 1859 serving Ipswich to Lowestoft and Yarmouth with a branch line to Aldeburgh opened in 1860. Photographs of about 1900 show a footbridge, large water tank, and 'staggered' platforms. Saxmundham was an important junction for both recreational and commercial traffic serving the resorts of Thorpeness and Aldeburgh, as well as the industrial town of Leiston. From the 1860s until after WWII, Saxmundham would have handled the majority of Garrett's output, on its way to some corner of the world.
Source: East Anglian Daily Times
Rail travellers in east Suffolk faced hours of disruption today after a major fire at a disused station building brought services to a standstill – and left an art project in jeopardy. Six fire crews spent more than two hours battling the blaze at Saxmundham railway station as flames leapt from the roof and plumes of smoke billowed high into the sky. Greater Anglia was forced to close the East Suffolk line between Ipswich and Lowestoft, with services unable to resume until after 6pm. The fire came as a major blow to Art Station project, which was redeveloping the building as a contemporary art space for the station’s 3,000 weekly users. Artist and project lead Clare Palmier: “I’m very upset at the damage to this fine period station building and the potential loss to the community of a building for the arts. Lots of hard work and energy from so many people has gone into this project.
A Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service spokesman said the fire was in an “old station building” and there was “no threat to public safety”. They added most of the damage was confined to the roof. Greater Anglia said: “We won’t know what the future holds until a full assessment is carried out.” The East Suffolk Travellers Association (ESTA) said there had been various attempts to bring the building back into use in recent years. David Adams, ESTA’s Saxmundham committee member added: “Unfortunately, the building had been vandalised time and again and so this is almost an expected outcome.” The Art Station project represented the most developed plans for it in years. Organisers had agreed a lease with Greater Anglia and wanted to raise £1.5million for the work to breathe new life into the building. The project launched last June, with a virtual reality installation by award winning artist Emily Godden.
The main station building remains the focal point of a complex of fine Victorian railway, commercial and residential buildings that served this busy junction and its employees of the East Suffolk Railway. The station used to be home to a café, travel office and a number of other small businesses. Saxmundham Station opened in 1859 serving Ipswich to Lowestoft and Yarmouth with a branch line to Aldeburgh opened in 1860. Photographs of about 1900 show a footbridge, large water tank, and 'staggered' platforms. Saxmundham was an important junction for both recreational and commercial traffic serving the resorts of Thorpeness and Aldeburgh, as well as the industrial town of Leiston. From the 1860s until after WWII, Saxmundham would have handled the majority of Garrett's output, on its way to some corner of the world.
Source: East Anglian Daily Times
Firefighters tackle the blaze at Saxmundham Railway Station. (Picture: Suzie Campbell)
8 February 2018 - Historic pub on Suffolk seafront open for business after chimney fire
A fire broke out at a historic pub in the heart of one of Suffolk’s most iconic seaside towns. Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service was called to a blaze at Ye Olde Cross Keys Inn in Crabbe Street, Aldeburgh, this morning. A fire service spokesman said the fire had started at in the pub’s wood burner and was “well alight”. One crew from the town was called to tackle the blaze at just before 11.45am and had it dealt with by 12.40pm. A member of staff at the pub said it remained open for business and no serious damage had been done. “It was just a small chimney fire,” he added. No one is reported to have been hurt in the fire, which was out by 12.40pm.
The Grade II listed pub is said to date back 1540, is one of the oldest buildings in the town and boasts a rich history.
Source: EADT
A fire broke out at a historic pub in the heart of one of Suffolk’s most iconic seaside towns. Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service was called to a blaze at Ye Olde Cross Keys Inn in Crabbe Street, Aldeburgh, this morning. A fire service spokesman said the fire had started at in the pub’s wood burner and was “well alight”. One crew from the town was called to tackle the blaze at just before 11.45am and had it dealt with by 12.40pm. A member of staff at the pub said it remained open for business and no serious damage had been done. “It was just a small chimney fire,” he added. No one is reported to have been hurt in the fire, which was out by 12.40pm.
The Grade II listed pub is said to date back 1540, is one of the oldest buildings in the town and boasts a rich history.
Source: EADT
Ye Olde Cross Keys Inn, Aldeburgh
7 February 2018 -Whitchurch fire: Historic Mill that made paper for early British banknotes is destroyed in blaze.
A Grade II listed 17th century mill once used to make paper for some of the first British banknotes for the Bank of England in 1718, has been destroyed by fire. Dozens of fire fighters battled to save historic Bere Mill, in Whitchurch, Hampshire, after the blaze broke out on Wednesday night.
The ground floor, first floor and roof were badly damaged and crews were due to remain at the scene damping down on Thursday morning.The alarm was raised at Bere Mill, which is now a family home, at shortly after 10pm.. No one was hurt in the blaze, the cause of which is unknown.
Over the years, the gardens of Bere Mill have been opened up as part of the National Garden Scheme.
Update 15 February: Rupert Nabarro, from the mill, said: “We are certainly going to repair the building to its former beauty and rebuild it as it was before.”
Source: The Telegraph
Bere Mill destroyed by fire (Picture Credit: South Central Ambulance Service)
Heritage & Ecclesiastical Fire Protection
Preventing Fire, Protecting Life, Preserving Heritage
Click HERE for Expert Specialist Fire Safety Risk Assessments for Historic and Listed Buildings
Preventing Fire, Protecting Life, Preserving Heritage
Click HERE for Expert Specialist Fire Safety Risk Assessments for Historic and Listed Buildings
Phone: 07840 351458 Email: [email protected]
January - 18 Fires
31 January 2018 - Investigation after fire at Brindle Mill
An investigation has been launched to discover the cause of a devastating fire which destroyed a historic mill in Brindle. Fire services say that Brindle Mill on Bourne's Row suffered a partial collapse during the blaze which tore through the building yesterday. One wall and the roof of the former cotton mill were completely destroyed in the incident. Inspections are due to take place today to ascertain the structural safety of the building, which housed a Booths services department. Four fire engines remain at the scene damping down and ensuring that the fire does not reignite.
Firefighters were called to the scene after a fire ripped through the building, just before 10am on Wednesday, January 31. Ten fire engines containing more than 50 firefighters, two aerial ladder platforms and a fire service stinger were all called in to help battle the raging fire. Crews brought the fire under control by around 8.30pm and began to scale back resources at around 9.30pm. Group Manager for Lancashire Fire and Rescue Tim Murrell said: “Initially we had four pumps in attendance at this incident however we increased that once we could see some of the challenges that faced us when it came to tackling the fire. Where the building was located meant that there were only two access points we could really use to try and tackle the fire and one of those was adjacent to a residential property. This property along with some neighbouring businesses needed to be evacuated as a precaution, which is standard procedure given their proximity to the incident. With limited water supply at the site we needed to set up a water relay to tackle the fire. Given the type of building we were dealing with and knowing there was no risk to life we opted to use ground monitors and hose reel jets to tackle the fire rather than committing firefighters into an unstable building. The crews worked well together to bring the fire under control and prevent the fire from spreading to neighbouring buildings. We reduced the number of fire engines at the scene at around 9:30pm that night and the remaining crews are currently there damping down.”
The mill was founded in 1853 by the Bourne family and in 1891 is reported to have housed 30,000 spindles and 332 looms.
Source: Lancashire Post
An investigation has been launched to discover the cause of a devastating fire which destroyed a historic mill in Brindle. Fire services say that Brindle Mill on Bourne's Row suffered a partial collapse during the blaze which tore through the building yesterday. One wall and the roof of the former cotton mill were completely destroyed in the incident. Inspections are due to take place today to ascertain the structural safety of the building, which housed a Booths services department. Four fire engines remain at the scene damping down and ensuring that the fire does not reignite.
Firefighters were called to the scene after a fire ripped through the building, just before 10am on Wednesday, January 31. Ten fire engines containing more than 50 firefighters, two aerial ladder platforms and a fire service stinger were all called in to help battle the raging fire. Crews brought the fire under control by around 8.30pm and began to scale back resources at around 9.30pm. Group Manager for Lancashire Fire and Rescue Tim Murrell said: “Initially we had four pumps in attendance at this incident however we increased that once we could see some of the challenges that faced us when it came to tackling the fire. Where the building was located meant that there were only two access points we could really use to try and tackle the fire and one of those was adjacent to a residential property. This property along with some neighbouring businesses needed to be evacuated as a precaution, which is standard procedure given their proximity to the incident. With limited water supply at the site we needed to set up a water relay to tackle the fire. Given the type of building we were dealing with and knowing there was no risk to life we opted to use ground monitors and hose reel jets to tackle the fire rather than committing firefighters into an unstable building. The crews worked well together to bring the fire under control and prevent the fire from spreading to neighbouring buildings. We reduced the number of fire engines at the scene at around 9:30pm that night and the remaining crews are currently there damping down.”
The mill was founded in 1853 by the Bourne family and in 1891 is reported to have housed 30,000 spindles and 332 looms.
Source: Lancashire Post
50 firefighters tackle warehouse blaze
31 January 2018 - Middleton-in-Teesdale caravan park fire - arson suspected after house destroyed
A fire that destroyed a historic home in Middleton-in-Teesdale is being treated as arson.
Durham police has confirmed that the blaze at a property at Dale View Caravan Park, in Middleton-in-Teesdale, is being treated as suspicious. Emergency services were called to the main house at the site at around 4.30am on Wednesday. County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service sent five appliances and a specialist aerial ladder platform from Darlington Fire Station to the scene and it took firefighters several hours to extinguish the fire. Significant structural damage was caused to the old stationmaster's house, which was built in 1868, rendering it unsafe. Nobody was injured.
Caravan park owner, Leanne Palethorpe shared the news on Facebook hours after the fire was put out. She said: “There has been a serious incident on Dale View. Unfortunately the main house has been on fire and has suffered serious structural damage. Luckily nobody has been injured No caravans have been affected. As you would appreciate there are going to be many major issues and repairs to make it safe. I would like you to appreciate the situation and please be patient as it’s very dangerous.” Speaking today, Ms Palethorpe said she was still in shock over the incident but thanked everyone for their support. She said: “Thank you all so much for your kind words and support. I am absolutely devastated at what has happened. We will bounce back and thank you all for offering your help it’s very much appreciated. We are truly blessed to have such wonderful friends.”
Source: The Northern Echo
A fire that destroyed a historic home in Middleton-in-Teesdale is being treated as arson.
Durham police has confirmed that the blaze at a property at Dale View Caravan Park, in Middleton-in-Teesdale, is being treated as suspicious. Emergency services were called to the main house at the site at around 4.30am on Wednesday. County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service sent five appliances and a specialist aerial ladder platform from Darlington Fire Station to the scene and it took firefighters several hours to extinguish the fire. Significant structural damage was caused to the old stationmaster's house, which was built in 1868, rendering it unsafe. Nobody was injured.
Caravan park owner, Leanne Palethorpe shared the news on Facebook hours after the fire was put out. She said: “There has been a serious incident on Dale View. Unfortunately the main house has been on fire and has suffered serious structural damage. Luckily nobody has been injured No caravans have been affected. As you would appreciate there are going to be many major issues and repairs to make it safe. I would like you to appreciate the situation and please be patient as it’s very dangerous.” Speaking today, Ms Palethorpe said she was still in shock over the incident but thanked everyone for their support. She said: “Thank you all so much for your kind words and support. I am absolutely devastated at what has happened. We will bounce back and thank you all for offering your help it’s very much appreciated. We are truly blessed to have such wonderful friends.”
Source: The Northern Echo
The old stationmaster's house, which was built in 1868, has been completely gutted in the blaze (Picture: Katie Macfarlane)
29 January 2018 - Mobberley pub The Church Inn is evacuated following chimney fire
A Mobberley pub was evacuated on Monday evening following a chimney fire. One fire engine from Wilmslow and one from Lymm were sent out to The Church Inn, in Church Lane, at 6.40pm on January 29. Pub-goers were evacuated while crews put out the fire using a hose reel, a thermal imaging camera, small gear and a positive pressure ventilation unit to cut away at the chimney. Firefighters remained on the scene for 90 minutes.
The Church Inn is a Grade II listed 18th Century Inn. It was built in 1753 on the site of an earlier pub and was then known as the Bull Head. During 1803, John and Hannah Wright moved into the pub and, as there were two Bulls Head pubs in Mobberley at the time, changed the name to “Church House” in 1813. The name changed again two years later to the “Wright’s Arms”.
Source: Knutsford Guardian
A Mobberley pub was evacuated on Monday evening following a chimney fire. One fire engine from Wilmslow and one from Lymm were sent out to The Church Inn, in Church Lane, at 6.40pm on January 29. Pub-goers were evacuated while crews put out the fire using a hose reel, a thermal imaging camera, small gear and a positive pressure ventilation unit to cut away at the chimney. Firefighters remained on the scene for 90 minutes.
The Church Inn is a Grade II listed 18th Century Inn. It was built in 1753 on the site of an earlier pub and was then known as the Bull Head. During 1803, John and Hannah Wright moved into the pub and, as there were two Bulls Head pubs in Mobberley at the time, changed the name to “Church House” in 1813. The name changed again two years later to the “Wright’s Arms”.
Source: Knutsford Guardian
The Church Inn, in Mobberley
29 January 2018 - Three crews called to historic Bugle Horn pub fire
Fire fighters were called out to a pub in Stone, just outside Aylesbury, last night.
The kitchen at The Bugle Horn on Oxford Road was alight. Bucks Fire were called at around 7.30pm. Three appliances and crews from Aylesbury and an officer attended. Firefighters used two hose reels, four sets of breathing apparatus, a PPV (positive pressure ventilation) fan and a thermal imaging camera. No one was hurt in the blaze. The pub will not be serving food today.
The Bugle Horn is a Grade II listed building and started life as a farmhouse, but during the early 1800s it was used as a wine store for Hartwell House, whilst Louis XVIII of France lived there in exile. Soon after it became known as the Plough. The current name comes from the fossils of the same name that can be seen in The Bugle Horn's walls.
Source: Mix 96
Fire fighters were called out to a pub in Stone, just outside Aylesbury, last night.
The kitchen at The Bugle Horn on Oxford Road was alight. Bucks Fire were called at around 7.30pm. Three appliances and crews from Aylesbury and an officer attended. Firefighters used two hose reels, four sets of breathing apparatus, a PPV (positive pressure ventilation) fan and a thermal imaging camera. No one was hurt in the blaze. The pub will not be serving food today.
The Bugle Horn is a Grade II listed building and started life as a farmhouse, but during the early 1800s it was used as a wine store for Hartwell House, whilst Louis XVIII of France lived there in exile. Soon after it became known as the Plough. The current name comes from the fossils of the same name that can be seen in The Bugle Horn's walls.
Source: Mix 96
The Bugle Horn Inn
27 January 2018 - Firefighters tackle blaze at derelict Castlefield pub
A busy city centre road was partially closed following a blaze at a former pub. Fire crews were called to the former Commercial Hotel on Liverpool Road, Castlefield, just after 5.30am on Saturday morning. Liverpool Road was closed as firefighters tackled the blaze over the course of two hours. Although the building had previously been used by people sleeping rough, police say nobody was inside at the time. The cause of the fire is not yet known.
A spokesman for Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service said: “We were called at 5.36am to reports of a fire on the ground floor of a derelict pub building on Liverpool Road. Five fire engines from Agecroft, Gorton, Phillips Park and Rochdale attended and firefighters used breathing apparatus and hose reels. Officers did a search of the property and there were no persons found within. The cause is not yet known.” A message shared on the Greater Manchester Police City Centre account read: “Road Closures on Liverpool Rd, following 5.45am report of fire in the empty Commercial Hotel pub, which had been used for rough sleeping/squat. Thankfully, no reported injuries at this stage.”
The Commercial Hotel, which sits in the Castlefield conservation area, is Grade II listed and dates from the mid-19th century.
Source: Manchester Evening News
A busy city centre road was partially closed following a blaze at a former pub. Fire crews were called to the former Commercial Hotel on Liverpool Road, Castlefield, just after 5.30am on Saturday morning. Liverpool Road was closed as firefighters tackled the blaze over the course of two hours. Although the building had previously been used by people sleeping rough, police say nobody was inside at the time. The cause of the fire is not yet known.
A spokesman for Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service said: “We were called at 5.36am to reports of a fire on the ground floor of a derelict pub building on Liverpool Road. Five fire engines from Agecroft, Gorton, Phillips Park and Rochdale attended and firefighters used breathing apparatus and hose reels. Officers did a search of the property and there were no persons found within. The cause is not yet known.” A message shared on the Greater Manchester Police City Centre account read: “Road Closures on Liverpool Rd, following 5.45am report of fire in the empty Commercial Hotel pub, which had been used for rough sleeping/squat. Thankfully, no reported injuries at this stage.”
The Commercial Hotel, which sits in the Castlefield conservation area, is Grade II listed and dates from the mid-19th century.
Source: Manchester Evening News
The former Commercial Hotel on Liverpool Road (Image: Manchester Evening News)
26 January 2018 - Flat Fire at Grade II listed Salts Mill in Riverside Court, Saltaire.
Fire crews were called to the Grade II listed Salts Mill this morning after a fire broke out in an apartment.
The blaze started in the living room of a flat in Riverside Court, Victoria Road, the section of the historic Salts Mill complex north of the Leeds and Liverpool Canal that has been converted into flats.
Firefighters from Shipley and Bingley attended the fire in Saltaire at 1.38am, the cause of which is currently under investigation but is believed to be an electrical fault.
Richard Driver, watch commander at Shipley Fire Station, said: "There was just one person living in the flat, and they woke up and noticed the fire in the living room. "They attempted to extinguish the fire but were unsuccessful, so set the main fire alarm off to alert the other residents and also the fire service. We used two breathing apparatus, one large jet and positive pressure ventilation fans to extinguish the fire and clear away the smoke. There were no injuries in the fire. Fire investigation officers are looking into the cause, which we believe was an electrical fault."
Riverside Court is made up of 97 apartments, and was formerly part of the Victorian manufacturing complex at Salts Mill.
Source: Telegraph & Argus
Fire crews were called to the Grade II listed Salts Mill this morning after a fire broke out in an apartment.
The blaze started in the living room of a flat in Riverside Court, Victoria Road, the section of the historic Salts Mill complex north of the Leeds and Liverpool Canal that has been converted into flats.
Firefighters from Shipley and Bingley attended the fire in Saltaire at 1.38am, the cause of which is currently under investigation but is believed to be an electrical fault.
Richard Driver, watch commander at Shipley Fire Station, said: "There was just one person living in the flat, and they woke up and noticed the fire in the living room. "They attempted to extinguish the fire but were unsuccessful, so set the main fire alarm off to alert the other residents and also the fire service. We used two breathing apparatus, one large jet and positive pressure ventilation fans to extinguish the fire and clear away the smoke. There were no injuries in the fire. Fire investigation officers are looking into the cause, which we believe was an electrical fault."
Riverside Court is made up of 97 apartments, and was formerly part of the Victorian manufacturing complex at Salts Mill.
Source: Telegraph & Argus
The Salts Mill Complex
25 January 2018 - 'A piece of history destroyed': Arson believed to be cause of major fire at old aircraft hangar
A major fire at an historic disused aircraft hangar near Dorchester was an act of arson, the fire service said. Shocked residents spoke of seeing thick black smoke rising high into the air and dozens of emergency service vehicles as firefighters tackled the blaze at the old airfield in Warmwell over several hours. Two fire crews from Dorchester were called to the scene at around 9.30pm on Thursday and fought the flames until past midnight. They requested support of crews from Maiden Newton, Bere Regis and Poole.
A spokesman for Dorset and Wiltshire Fire Service (DWFRS) said: "The building had partially collapsed before crews arrived, so they could only fight the fire from outside. A separate small fire was also located at a second hangar nearby as the flames spread." Police were called to the scene around an hour later by the fire service which believed the cause may have been deliberate. A spokesman for Dorset Police said: "The fire service will carry out investigations and we will be working with them." The DWFRS spokesman said following a visit to the hangar by a fire investigation officer yesterday (26) morning, they confirmed the cause to be deliberate and started by a 'hydrocarbon fluid' such as petrol. The investigation has now been passed on to police.
The area used to be home to a former RAF station and the hangar was associated with the base. The station closed after the Second World War. A Crossways resident, who asked to remain anonymous, said: “I called the fire brigade after coming home to my house being surrounded by black smoke. I walked towards the barn and could see jet black smoke going up to 70ft in the air with embers. Fire crews were here in great time and the smoke had begun to settle down. It’s a great shame to see a piece of history be destroyed.”
Keith Hanger, who lives in Oaklands Park Home Estate next to the field, said: “I saw lots of smoke and there were lots of fire engines there. Police cars were driving back and forth up this road. Thankfully the smoke didn’t come this way.” Alex Door, who lives near the field, said: “Two fire engines went past and down the track in to the field, then a few minutes later a couple of police cars or special fire officials went past. By 10pm there were three or four engines. We heard what sounded like cutting with a grinder, not sure why, but then the fire engines went back and forth filling up with extra water.” Firefighters used eight breathing apparatus, two hose reels and two main lines to extinguish five separate fires across two hangars.
One of the hangars was destroyed, and another nearby hangar was also damaged. RAF Warmwell is a former Royal Air Force station near Warmwell in Dorset, England from 1937 to 1946, located about 5 miles east-southeast of Dorchester; 100 miles southwest of London. During the Second World War it was used by the Royal Air Force and the United States Army Air Forces Ninth Air Force. While under USAAF control, Warmwell was known as USAAF Station AAF-454 for security reasons, and by which it was referred to instead of location. Its Station-ID was "XW".
Source: Dorset Echo
Update 2 February 2018 - A teenager who faced court accused of starting a fire which caused thousands of pounds worth of damage to an historic aircraft hangar has been found not guilty. Following police investigations, a boy aged 16, who cannot be named for legal reasons, was charged with arson but pleaded not guilty to the offence at Weymouth Youth Court in November. During a two-day trial this week, magistrates heard evidence from four witnesses, including three boys who were friends of the defendant at the time of the fire. Evidence was also provided by Detective Constable Gerald Marchant, who led the investigation. Magistrates said there was no forensic evidence linking the 16-year-old to the fire before finding him not guilty. An insurer placed the cost of the damage caused at around £250,000.
A major fire at an historic disused aircraft hangar near Dorchester was an act of arson, the fire service said. Shocked residents spoke of seeing thick black smoke rising high into the air and dozens of emergency service vehicles as firefighters tackled the blaze at the old airfield in Warmwell over several hours. Two fire crews from Dorchester were called to the scene at around 9.30pm on Thursday and fought the flames until past midnight. They requested support of crews from Maiden Newton, Bere Regis and Poole.
A spokesman for Dorset and Wiltshire Fire Service (DWFRS) said: "The building had partially collapsed before crews arrived, so they could only fight the fire from outside. A separate small fire was also located at a second hangar nearby as the flames spread." Police were called to the scene around an hour later by the fire service which believed the cause may have been deliberate. A spokesman for Dorset Police said: "The fire service will carry out investigations and we will be working with them." The DWFRS spokesman said following a visit to the hangar by a fire investigation officer yesterday (26) morning, they confirmed the cause to be deliberate and started by a 'hydrocarbon fluid' such as petrol. The investigation has now been passed on to police.
The area used to be home to a former RAF station and the hangar was associated with the base. The station closed after the Second World War. A Crossways resident, who asked to remain anonymous, said: “I called the fire brigade after coming home to my house being surrounded by black smoke. I walked towards the barn and could see jet black smoke going up to 70ft in the air with embers. Fire crews were here in great time and the smoke had begun to settle down. It’s a great shame to see a piece of history be destroyed.”
Keith Hanger, who lives in Oaklands Park Home Estate next to the field, said: “I saw lots of smoke and there were lots of fire engines there. Police cars were driving back and forth up this road. Thankfully the smoke didn’t come this way.” Alex Door, who lives near the field, said: “Two fire engines went past and down the track in to the field, then a few minutes later a couple of police cars or special fire officials went past. By 10pm there were three or four engines. We heard what sounded like cutting with a grinder, not sure why, but then the fire engines went back and forth filling up with extra water.” Firefighters used eight breathing apparatus, two hose reels and two main lines to extinguish five separate fires across two hangars.
One of the hangars was destroyed, and another nearby hangar was also damaged. RAF Warmwell is a former Royal Air Force station near Warmwell in Dorset, England from 1937 to 1946, located about 5 miles east-southeast of Dorchester; 100 miles southwest of London. During the Second World War it was used by the Royal Air Force and the United States Army Air Forces Ninth Air Force. While under USAAF control, Warmwell was known as USAAF Station AAF-454 for security reasons, and by which it was referred to instead of location. Its Station-ID was "XW".
Source: Dorset Echo
Update 2 February 2018 - A teenager who faced court accused of starting a fire which caused thousands of pounds worth of damage to an historic aircraft hangar has been found not guilty. Following police investigations, a boy aged 16, who cannot be named for legal reasons, was charged with arson but pleaded not guilty to the offence at Weymouth Youth Court in November. During a two-day trial this week, magistrates heard evidence from four witnesses, including three boys who were friends of the defendant at the time of the fire. Evidence was also provided by Detective Constable Gerald Marchant, who led the investigation. Magistrates said there was no forensic evidence linking the 16-year-old to the fire before finding him not guilty. An insurer placed the cost of the damage caused at around £250,000.
Fire in old airhanger Warmwell (between Oaklands Park and Warmwell Caravan Park), (Picture: Finnbarr Webster)
24 January 2018 - Hambledon House fire: Crews still battling blaze more than 10 hours later
Fire crews are still battling a blaze at a 16th century Surrey mansion more than 10 hours after it broke out. Surrey and Hampshire firefighters were called to the property in Vann Lane, Hambledon, at around 9.45am on Wednesday (January 24), Surrey Fire and Rescue services said. Firefighters, police and a "large number of ambulance resources" were sent to the village, which lies between Godalming and Chiddingfold .
A man was freed from the Hambledon House inferno in a dramatic rescue effort while a woman escaped from the roof with a kitten. Both suffered non life-threatening "potentially serious injuries" in the blaze and were taken to St George's Hospital in Tooting.
At 7.40pm, SFRS tweeted: "Three appliances and aerial ladder platform and support fire appliance remaining in attendance at the House fire in Vann Lane - Hambledon - firefighting operations continue."
Meanwhile, Hambledon residents were warned to stay indoors and shut all windows and doors due to a "smoke plume" from the fire. Two ambulances, two single responder cars and specialised Hazardous Area Response Team (HART) paramedics were at the scene at the height of the incident.
The historic Elizabethan building is understood to be a bed and breakfast lodge and events venue operating under the name of Lakeside Manor Surrey.
A Surrey Fire and Rescue Service spokesman said: "We were called at around 9.45am this morning to a fire at a property in Vann Lane, Hambledon. Surrey Fire and Rescue services received support from Rushmoor and Bordon firefighters, a spokesman said. Dramatic video footage shoes flames licking away at the centuries old building as smoke billows out of the roof. A source at the scene told Get Surrey the building had received 90% damage by around 12.10pm. It is believed the fire may have started from a tumble dryer.
Source: Get Surrey
Fire crews are still battling a blaze at a 16th century Surrey mansion more than 10 hours after it broke out. Surrey and Hampshire firefighters were called to the property in Vann Lane, Hambledon, at around 9.45am on Wednesday (January 24), Surrey Fire and Rescue services said. Firefighters, police and a "large number of ambulance resources" were sent to the village, which lies between Godalming and Chiddingfold .
A man was freed from the Hambledon House inferno in a dramatic rescue effort while a woman escaped from the roof with a kitten. Both suffered non life-threatening "potentially serious injuries" in the blaze and were taken to St George's Hospital in Tooting.
At 7.40pm, SFRS tweeted: "Three appliances and aerial ladder platform and support fire appliance remaining in attendance at the House fire in Vann Lane - Hambledon - firefighting operations continue."
Meanwhile, Hambledon residents were warned to stay indoors and shut all windows and doors due to a "smoke plume" from the fire. Two ambulances, two single responder cars and specialised Hazardous Area Response Team (HART) paramedics were at the scene at the height of the incident.
The historic Elizabethan building is understood to be a bed and breakfast lodge and events venue operating under the name of Lakeside Manor Surrey.
A Surrey Fire and Rescue Service spokesman said: "We were called at around 9.45am this morning to a fire at a property in Vann Lane, Hambledon. Surrey Fire and Rescue services received support from Rushmoor and Bordon firefighters, a spokesman said. Dramatic video footage shoes flames licking away at the centuries old building as smoke billows out of the roof. A source at the scene told Get Surrey the building had received 90% damage by around 12.10pm. It is believed the fire may have started from a tumble dryer.
Source: Get Surrey
Fire crews tackle a blaze at Hambeldon House (Image: Steve Porter)
21 January 2018 - House Fire, Horndon on the Hill, near Billericey.
Two dogs were killed in a blaze which damaged a Grade II listed building near Billericay.
When firefighters arrived in the early hours of January 21 they reported that the ground floor, first floor and roof were alight and the whole property was heavily smoke logged. Seven crews attended the fire on Laindon Road in Horndon on the Hill.
"Our main priority was to stop the fire spreading so that the Grade II listed building could be salvaged," said Scott Fretton, Watch Manager. "Crews worked extremely quickly to set up water supplies and begin tackling the fire from both inside and outside and restrict the spreading."
"The house has suffered around 30% fire damage as well as smoke and water damage. Unfortunately two dogs were in the property at the time of the fire and sadly died during the incident."
An investigation will take place to determine the cause of the fire.
Two dogs were killed in a blaze which damaged a Grade II listed building near Billericay.
When firefighters arrived in the early hours of January 21 they reported that the ground floor, first floor and roof were alight and the whole property was heavily smoke logged. Seven crews attended the fire on Laindon Road in Horndon on the Hill.
"Our main priority was to stop the fire spreading so that the Grade II listed building could be salvaged," said Scott Fretton, Watch Manager. "Crews worked extremely quickly to set up water supplies and begin tackling the fire from both inside and outside and restrict the spreading."
"The house has suffered around 30% fire damage as well as smoke and water damage. Unfortunately two dogs were in the property at the time of the fire and sadly died during the incident."
An investigation will take place to determine the cause of the fire.
House Fire, Horndon on the Hilll, near Billericey. (Picture Crtedit: Essex County Fire & Rescue Service)
20 January 2018 - Police investigate 'suspicious' fire at empty listed building in Skipton.
Police are appealing for witnesses to help in their investigation of a suspicious fire that took place in an empty Grade II listed building in Skipton.
The fire was at the former St Stephen's School in Gargrave Road, built in 1854, broke out in the early hours of Saturday 20th January. Firecrews from Skipton, Grassington and Earby attended the fire, after receiving the call at just after 5am. Firefighters used breathing apparatus and four hose reel jets to get the fire under control.
A spokesman for North Yorkshire Police said the circumstances of the blaze were being investigated after it was deemed 'suspicious' by the fire service.
Police are appealing for witnesses to help in their investigation of a suspicious fire that took place in an empty Grade II listed building in Skipton.
The fire was at the former St Stephen's School in Gargrave Road, built in 1854, broke out in the early hours of Saturday 20th January. Firecrews from Skipton, Grassington and Earby attended the fire, after receiving the call at just after 5am. Firefighters used breathing apparatus and four hose reel jets to get the fire under control.
A spokesman for North Yorkshire Police said the circumstances of the blaze were being investigated after it was deemed 'suspicious' by the fire service.
The empty Grade II listed building that was formerly St Stephen's School, Skipton.
14 January 2018 - Fire at historic Grade II former Manselton school in Swansea.
Calls have been made for action at a derelict Swansea school after a fire broke out on its third floor on Sunday night, 14th January. an issue the owner described as a “nightmare”.
Fire crews from Morriston and Swansea Central rushed to the former Manselton School at 6.43pm on the third floor of the building. It was out on arrival of the emergency services, but it is the most serious in a line of recent incidents at the listed building which has caused real concern for those living locally. Councillor Peter Black , who lives on Cecil Street where the school is located, said action has to be taken to tackle the problem once and for all. “I’m very concerned about the school,” he said. “I’m told by residents lights have been on inside on a number of nights in the last few weeks. People have been accessing the school who should not be in there.”
“The last thing we need is another fire in that school. It’s a very important building and we don’t want to see it destroyed in that way. We have lost a number of listed buildings through fire in the past and I don’t want to see that happen here. The owners are responsible to make the building safe.”
The school has not been in use for many years, and was said to be in a poor condition before it closed. The old school is owned by Northampton company Eton Property Management, which, on August 30, 2016, lodged a pre-planning application for the conversion of the former school to 62 residential units, along with 12 flats in an outbuilding, a two-storey dwelling, refuse store and car park. But a number of objections were lodged and since then, there has been little activity.
Operations director of the company, Raj Miah said: “I’m coming down tomorrow as a matter of urgency and see how it goes from there. I didn’t realise it was this bad. It is clear there is a problem which needs to be sorted and I will come down tomorrow and stay one or two days if needs-be to get it stopped. It is an absolute nightmare.”
Calls have been made for action at a derelict Swansea school after a fire broke out on its third floor on Sunday night, 14th January. an issue the owner described as a “nightmare”.
Fire crews from Morriston and Swansea Central rushed to the former Manselton School at 6.43pm on the third floor of the building. It was out on arrival of the emergency services, but it is the most serious in a line of recent incidents at the listed building which has caused real concern for those living locally. Councillor Peter Black , who lives on Cecil Street where the school is located, said action has to be taken to tackle the problem once and for all. “I’m very concerned about the school,” he said. “I’m told by residents lights have been on inside on a number of nights in the last few weeks. People have been accessing the school who should not be in there.”
“The last thing we need is another fire in that school. It’s a very important building and we don’t want to see it destroyed in that way. We have lost a number of listed buildings through fire in the past and I don’t want to see that happen here. The owners are responsible to make the building safe.”
The school has not been in use for many years, and was said to be in a poor condition before it closed. The old school is owned by Northampton company Eton Property Management, which, on August 30, 2016, lodged a pre-planning application for the conversion of the former school to 62 residential units, along with 12 flats in an outbuilding, a two-storey dwelling, refuse store and car park. But a number of objections were lodged and since then, there has been little activity.
Operations director of the company, Raj Miah said: “I’m coming down tomorrow as a matter of urgency and see how it goes from there. I didn’t realise it was this bad. It is clear there is a problem which needs to be sorted and I will come down tomorrow and stay one or two days if needs-be to get it stopped. It is an absolute nightmare.”
A fire was started on the third floor of Manselton School(Image Credit: Robert Melen)
12 January 2018 - Historic Grade II* listed Nottingham Railway Station could easily have been destroyed by fire.
A fire at Nottingham train station has caused 'extensive damage' to the newer section of the building - just four years after a £50-million revamp.
The Fire spread to the roof from the ladies toilet and took almost 11 hours to put out.
The historic Edwardian part of the building, which is listed, is believed to be intact and preserved, but it could so easily have been worse.
Update: 2 February 2018: A woman has been arrested on suspicion of arson over the huge fire that closed Nottingham railway station. British Transport Police said the 33-year-old from Derby was arrested earlier and questioned by officers. Nottinghamshire Police said the woman had been released under investigation while inquiries continued.
Last month, Bryn Coleman, an incident commander with Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue, said the fire could have been contained more easily had sprinklers been fitted.
He told the BBC the damage "would have been less" and could have avoided the closure of the railway station had they been in place.
Nottingham Midland Station in 1904, the year it opened.
9 January 2018 - Fire breaks out in Norwich city centre shop.
A city centre shop had to be evacuated after a fire broke out. The fire service were called to The Granary, a furniture shop on Bedford Street, at 2.30pm on Tuesday (9th January), after reports of a blaze.
Crews from Earlham, Carrow and Hethersett were sent to the scene and the area was cordoned off. Electricians had begun to tackle the blaze before the fire service arrived and crews used hose reel jets to extinguish it. Watch Manager Golby confirmed at the scene that the fire was caused by a small light fitting overheating.
No-one was injured and it is believed the shop was safe to resume trading shortly after. The Granary describes itself as ‘the home of contemporary living’ and is part of Jarrolds. It is situated in a Grade II listed building next to Gallyons Country Living.
On its website it states its shop has undergone extensive renovation to reclaim some of its historical features.
Source: Norwich Evening News
A city centre shop had to be evacuated after a fire broke out. The fire service were called to The Granary, a furniture shop on Bedford Street, at 2.30pm on Tuesday (9th January), after reports of a blaze.
Crews from Earlham, Carrow and Hethersett were sent to the scene and the area was cordoned off. Electricians had begun to tackle the blaze before the fire service arrived and crews used hose reel jets to extinguish it. Watch Manager Golby confirmed at the scene that the fire was caused by a small light fitting overheating.
No-one was injured and it is believed the shop was safe to resume trading shortly after. The Granary describes itself as ‘the home of contemporary living’ and is part of Jarrolds. It is situated in a Grade II listed building next to Gallyons Country Living.
On its website it states its shop has undergone extensive renovation to reclaim some of its historical features.
Source: Norwich Evening News
The Granary in Norwich
9 January 2018 - Fire at historic Cruck Cottage, Torthorwald, near Dumfries.
A historic cottage near Dumfries has been devastated by a fire which is now being treated as suspicious.
Cruck Cottage in Torthorwald featured on the Scottish TV Programme Lookaround in December, after undergoing a restoration and reopening to the public as a museum.
The fire was discovered at the Cottage at around 10.55pm on Tuesday 9 January and caused extensive damage to the 18th Century Category A listed building. Now members of the heritage group that run the historic property face a big clean up and a massive repair bill. Chairman Bill Lawson said: “What a disaster. We are absolutely gutted. It is in a heck of a mess. We are looking at £10,000 to repair the damage and are meeting with insurance assessors.”
The fire comes only a few weeks since the volunteers held a Christmas party to celebrate the building’s £13,000 re-thatching thanks to funding from Historic Scotland and SWEAT.
A historic cottage near Dumfries has been devastated by a fire which is now being treated as suspicious.
Cruck Cottage in Torthorwald featured on the Scottish TV Programme Lookaround in December, after undergoing a restoration and reopening to the public as a museum.
The fire was discovered at the Cottage at around 10.55pm on Tuesday 9 January and caused extensive damage to the 18th Century Category A listed building. Now members of the heritage group that run the historic property face a big clean up and a massive repair bill. Chairman Bill Lawson said: “What a disaster. We are absolutely gutted. It is in a heck of a mess. We are looking at £10,000 to repair the damage and are meeting with insurance assessors.”
The fire comes only a few weeks since the volunteers held a Christmas party to celebrate the building’s £13,000 re-thatching thanks to funding from Historic Scotland and SWEAT.
Fire in the thatch at Cruck Cottage. Picture Credit: ITV Border
8 January 2018 - Crews sent to fire at Exeter's Honiton Inn
Fire crews have been sent to the scene of a blaze at an abandoned Exeter pub - for the second time in one week. Three fire engines are at the 18th century Honiton Inn on Paris Street. The emergency services were first called at 1:40pm. It is believed the fire started in the chimney and will be out shortly. It is the second time in one week crews have been sent to the pub. Fire crews attended the Honiton Inn on Paris Street at just after 1am on Tuesday January, 2, to reports of a fire in an outbuilding.
Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service said on Tuesday that it believes the blaze was started deliberately and police are now investigating the suspected arson. Jason Hill, crew manager at Danes Castle Fire Station, said: “There are a number of squatters occupying the property and they lit a fire on the first floor of the building in a fireplace thinking it was a safe and sensible thing to do to keep warm. But it was not safe as the chimney hasn’t been in action for a number of years and therefore is not fully working. Police crews were also called by fire control due to the nature of the property. The people who have been squatting in the building has been given some advice by our fire crews which they have been receptive to and they won’t be doing it again. The fire was contained to the chimney. We were called at 1.40pm and sent one fire engine from Danes Castle and one from Middlemoor to the scene.” Fire engines and police crews left the scene at 2.20pm
The fine iconic Honiton Inn, an Exeter building with it's origins from the late 1700's, is a single survivor and a memorial within the area in the City of Exeter from the devistating 1942 Baedecker raids. Betty Morrison purchased the pub in 1974 after her husband died, passed away in 2008. In the same year, an auction of the contents took place, and the Inn has remained closed ever since, with 'for sale' notices placed outside. Exeter City Council planners voted to approve a scheme to demolish the pub to be replaced by a new six-storey building incorporating 107 bedrooms along with a private gym, cinema, laundry room and common room, despite 38 objections and a 2,297-signature petition calling for the historic pub to be saved.
Update 3 July 2018: Demolition work at one of Exeter’s most historic pubs has started this morning. The Honiton Inn, which is believed to have stood for more than 200 years, will be knocked down over the next three weeks to make way for a controversial 10-storey modern student block of flats. Workers were at the Paris Street building on Monday to prepare the site and discovered 10,000 used needles and one homeless man inside the derelict pub,
Source: Devon Live
Fire crews have been sent to the scene of a blaze at an abandoned Exeter pub - for the second time in one week. Three fire engines are at the 18th century Honiton Inn on Paris Street. The emergency services were first called at 1:40pm. It is believed the fire started in the chimney and will be out shortly. It is the second time in one week crews have been sent to the pub. Fire crews attended the Honiton Inn on Paris Street at just after 1am on Tuesday January, 2, to reports of a fire in an outbuilding.
Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service said on Tuesday that it believes the blaze was started deliberately and police are now investigating the suspected arson. Jason Hill, crew manager at Danes Castle Fire Station, said: “There are a number of squatters occupying the property and they lit a fire on the first floor of the building in a fireplace thinking it was a safe and sensible thing to do to keep warm. But it was not safe as the chimney hasn’t been in action for a number of years and therefore is not fully working. Police crews were also called by fire control due to the nature of the property. The people who have been squatting in the building has been given some advice by our fire crews which they have been receptive to and they won’t be doing it again. The fire was contained to the chimney. We were called at 1.40pm and sent one fire engine from Danes Castle and one from Middlemoor to the scene.” Fire engines and police crews left the scene at 2.20pm
The fine iconic Honiton Inn, an Exeter building with it's origins from the late 1700's, is a single survivor and a memorial within the area in the City of Exeter from the devistating 1942 Baedecker raids. Betty Morrison purchased the pub in 1974 after her husband died, passed away in 2008. In the same year, an auction of the contents took place, and the Inn has remained closed ever since, with 'for sale' notices placed outside. Exeter City Council planners voted to approve a scheme to demolish the pub to be replaced by a new six-storey building incorporating 107 bedrooms along with a private gym, cinema, laundry room and common room, despite 38 objections and a 2,297-signature petition calling for the historic pub to be saved.
Update 3 July 2018: Demolition work at one of Exeter’s most historic pubs has started this morning. The Honiton Inn, which is believed to have stood for more than 200 years, will be knocked down over the next three weeks to make way for a controversial 10-storey modern student block of flats. Workers were at the Paris Street building on Monday to prepare the site and discovered 10,000 used needles and one homeless man inside the derelict pub,
Source: Devon Live
The fire in an outbuilding at the Honiton Inn earlier this month (Image: PC Jessica Nye @pc_nye)
7 January 2018 - Lucky escape for previously fire damaged historic Wigan church.
Fire crews from Wigan fire station were called to the Grade II listed St George's Church, on Water Street, at around 10.30am on 7th January 2018. Watch manager Carl Gleaves said: "With it being a Sunday and Sunday service being on, it was spotted by the people opening the building ready for the service. "It appeared when they flicked the light switch there looked to be a flame coming from a light fitting above the altar."
Firefighters used ladders inside the building to reach the ceiling, tackle the fire and make sure it had not spread.
They also used a fan to help clear the smoke, but told the vicar that the church could not function as normal for at least 24 hours. Crews spent two hours at the church. The cause of the fire is not known, but there were not thought to be any suspicious circumstances.
The church, built in 1781, has previously suffered major fire damage in the 1970's, after which whole interior was re-designed and the roof reconstructed. The extensive repair work included stone, brick, lead and stained glass conservation.
Fire crews from Wigan fire station were called to the Grade II listed St George's Church, on Water Street, at around 10.30am on 7th January 2018. Watch manager Carl Gleaves said: "With it being a Sunday and Sunday service being on, it was spotted by the people opening the building ready for the service. "It appeared when they flicked the light switch there looked to be a flame coming from a light fitting above the altar."
Firefighters used ladders inside the building to reach the ceiling, tackle the fire and make sure it had not spread.
They also used a fan to help clear the smoke, but told the vicar that the church could not function as normal for at least 24 hours. Crews spent two hours at the church. The cause of the fire is not known, but there were not thought to be any suspicious circumstances.
The church, built in 1781, has previously suffered major fire damage in the 1970's, after which whole interior was re-designed and the roof reconstructed. The extensive repair work included stone, brick, lead and stained glass conservation.
Church of St. George, Wigan. Built in 1781.
6 January 2018 - Major incident at the Fry Building, University of Bristol.
A huge fire erupted at the University of Bristol's "unique" Grade II listed Fry Building on the evening of 6th January 2018. The building was nearing the end of a 2-year, £33million refurbishment by Balfour Beatty which was due to be completed in the summer.
Paul Smith, head of facilities at the university, said the fire was contained to the roof of the historic building but that it was too soon to know the full extent of the damage.
“It’s not pleasant. It’s one of the oldest buildings on the estate. It’s a little upsetting for everyone involved. On Monday we’ll start the process of finding out what went wrong," said Mr Smith.
Philippa Walker, spokesperson for Bristol University, said: “The whole building was being refurbished to house the School of Maths. It would appear that just the roof and top floor has been fire damaged but there's water damage elsewhere as you would expect.”
Update 8th January 2018 : An investigation was immediately launched in the aftermath of the blaze and a statement from Avon Fire and Rescue Service on Monday afternoon has concluded that it was caused by works as part of the building’s £33m refurbishment.
“We know that refurbishment works were being carried out in the roof on Saturday afternoon, which, we believe, has led to the accidental fire starting,” said the service’s group manager, Steve Quinton.
“The extent of the damage at Fry Building means we will never be able to identify exactly where the fire started, but we are satisfied it started accidentally as a result of the works taking place that day.”
A huge fire erupted at the University of Bristol's "unique" Grade II listed Fry Building on the evening of 6th January 2018. The building was nearing the end of a 2-year, £33million refurbishment by Balfour Beatty which was due to be completed in the summer.
Paul Smith, head of facilities at the university, said the fire was contained to the roof of the historic building but that it was too soon to know the full extent of the damage.
“It’s not pleasant. It’s one of the oldest buildings on the estate. It’s a little upsetting for everyone involved. On Monday we’ll start the process of finding out what went wrong," said Mr Smith.
Philippa Walker, spokesperson for Bristol University, said: “The whole building was being refurbished to house the School of Maths. It would appear that just the roof and top floor has been fire damaged but there's water damage elsewhere as you would expect.”
Update 8th January 2018 : An investigation was immediately launched in the aftermath of the blaze and a statement from Avon Fire and Rescue Service on Monday afternoon has concluded that it was caused by works as part of the building’s £33m refurbishment.
“We know that refurbishment works were being carried out in the roof on Saturday afternoon, which, we believe, has led to the accidental fire starting,” said the service’s group manager, Steve Quinton.
“The extent of the damage at Fry Building means we will never be able to identify exactly where the fire started, but we are satisfied it started accidentally as a result of the works taking place that day.”
The Fry Building, University of Bristol well alight.
1 January 2018 - A chimney fire spewed hot ash from a historic Rotherfield pub
A fire that caught hold at an 18th century East Sussex pub has been captured on video. Hot ash can be seen spewing out of one of the chimneys at Catts Inn, a pub in High Street, Rotherfield. The footage from Monday night (January 1) was taken by Ed Paterson who lives close to the pub in Station Road. Speaking to Kent Live he said he wanted to share the video in the hope it might "create more awareness about chimney fires and hopefully prevent more happening in the future". Describing the blaze, Mr Paterson said: "We noticed the smell of burning wood and looked out the window to see that the chimney was on fire. The fire brigade arrived and assessed the situation and left about an hour later once it was safe to do so."
An East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service spokesman said: “At 9.47 on January 1, crews from Mayfield attended a chimney fire at a public house in High Street, Rotherfield. Crews used chimney rods to extinguish the fire and it was extinguished at 10.52pm.”
The Katts Inn is a Grade II listed building, and was originally two houses when built in the 18th Century.
Source: Kent Live
A fire that caught hold at an 18th century East Sussex pub has been captured on video. Hot ash can be seen spewing out of one of the chimneys at Catts Inn, a pub in High Street, Rotherfield. The footage from Monday night (January 1) was taken by Ed Paterson who lives close to the pub in Station Road. Speaking to Kent Live he said he wanted to share the video in the hope it might "create more awareness about chimney fires and hopefully prevent more happening in the future". Describing the blaze, Mr Paterson said: "We noticed the smell of burning wood and looked out the window to see that the chimney was on fire. The fire brigade arrived and assessed the situation and left about an hour later once it was safe to do so."
An East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service spokesman said: “At 9.47 on January 1, crews from Mayfield attended a chimney fire at a public house in High Street, Rotherfield. Crews used chimney rods to extinguish the fire and it was extinguished at 10.52pm.”
The Katts Inn is a Grade II listed building, and was originally two houses when built in the 18th Century.
Source: Kent Live
Catts Inn in High Street, Rotherfield (Image: Google Maps)
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Hot ash can be seen spewing out of one of the chimneys at Catts Inn (Picture: Ed Patterson)
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Heritage & Ecclesiastical Fire Protection
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