466 Fires & 101 Near Misses in
Heritage Buildings Recorded on the 2019 Database so far.
(A Fire is defined as an uncontrolled and unwanted burning event (including explosion) causing damage to a heritage building and/or contents by at least one of the following: flame, heat, smoke or blast)
(A Near Miss is defined as an event in a heritage building that had the potential to start a fire, or a fire adjacent to a heritage building that, without intervention, could have spread to that building)
* on the incident time indicates only the approximate time of the incident is known
Heritage Buildings Recorded on the 2019 Database so far.
(A Fire is defined as an uncontrolled and unwanted burning event (including explosion) causing damage to a heritage building and/or contents by at least one of the following: flame, heat, smoke or blast)
(A Near Miss is defined as an event in a heritage building that had the potential to start a fire, or a fire adjacent to a heritage building that, without intervention, could have spread to that building)
* on the incident time indicates only the approximate time of the incident is known
Fires Index < Click here
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“It is impossible to find words in which to express our grief over the destruction by fire of the glorious Abbey Church of Selby in Yorkshire. Although the church should be restored, it will be a building without the charm of age and the historic evidences of its structural growth through eight centuries which lent it interest and made it venerable.”
Church Times, 26th October 1906 |
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December - 43 Fires & 7 Near Misses
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31 December 2019 (19:10) - Firefighters called to pub on New Year's Eve
Two fire engines were called to the Bull in Brantham shortly after 7pm on New Year's Eve. Writing on Twitter on New Year's Day the pub praised the work of the officers from Suffolk Fire and Rescue. "Thank you to Suffolk Fire for their quick response to the fire at the pub last night and thanks for the patience of our guests. Stressful end to 2019," read the tweet. Two fire crews were called to the scene; one from Ipswich East and the other from Princes Street. No-one was hurt as a result of the fire and crews left the scene at around 8.30pm.
The village's oldest pub, the Brantham Bull, is a 16th-century Grade II listed building. Some of the beams from the building are thought to have come from the wreckage of the Spanish Armada, and over the centuries the building has also been used as a court house and a prison. Witchfinder general Matthew Hopkins, once hanged a lady by the name of Nancy on the green outside the front of the building. A passage used by smugglers used to run from the pub's cellar out to the River Stour.
News Source: EADT
The village's oldest pub, the Brantham Bull, is a 16th-century Grade II listed building. Some of the beams from the building are thought to have come from the wreckage of the Spanish Armada, and over the centuries the building has also been used as a court house and a prison. Witchfinder general Matthew Hopkins, once hanged a lady by the name of Nancy on the green outside the front of the building. A passage used by smugglers used to run from the pub's cellar out to the River Stour.
News Source: EADT
The Bull dates back to the 16th century
Listing Details
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Entry Name: The Bull Inn
Listing Date: 22 February 1955 Grade: II Source: Historic England Source ID: 1033433 English Heritage Legacy ID: 278813 Location: Brantham, Babergh, Suffolk, CO11 County: Suffolk District: Babergh Civil Parish: Brantham Traditional County: Suffolk Lieutenancy Area (Ceremonial County): Suffolk Church of England Parish: Brantham St Michael and All Angels Church of England Diocese: St.Edmundsbury and Ipswich |
Coordinates
Latitude: 51.9684 / 51°58'6"N Longitude: 1.0888 / 1°5'19"E OS Eastings: 612276 OS Northings: 234503 OS Grid: TM122345 Mapcode National: GBR TNS.D46 Mapcode Global: VHLC4.TSHC |
31 December 2019 (12:45) - Roof destroyed in New Year's Eve fire at historic crematorium
A New Year's Eve fire that destroyed a historic crematorium roof has led to more than 50 funerals being cancelled. Efford Crematorium in Plymouth suffered severe damage as 22 firefighters battled the blaze which tore through the building's roof space close to solar panels it had installed. Services are now being moved to the Weston Mill Crematorium, which is to work longer hours and at weekends to cope.
Plymouth City Council, which runs the facilities, has cancelled all services at Efford – with more than 50 booked in the next three weeks. A spokeswoman said: “We are very sorry that we have had to take this decision, but with the damage to the crematorium, we cannot provide families with the peaceful and contemplative place it needs to be for grieving families.”
The celebrant who took the last funeral before the lunchtime blaze on Tuesday has meanwhile spoken out against people making jokes about the fire on social media. They said: “To say that I am shocked by some of the thoughtless remarks on here would be a huge understatement. Our administrators have removed several comments."
The council said that it was working with funeral directors to identify alternative arrangements. A spokeswoman said: “We will be increasing the available services at Weston Mill through longer hours and weekend working, which may offer many families a time slot and /or day as close as possible to meet their needs. We also recognise that some families will wish to use alternative venues. The council cannot say when Efford Crematorium will reopen and is awaiting reports on the extent of the damage - but a hole has been left in the roof.
No members of the public were in the building when fire broke out in the roof space just after noon .The previous service had been held at 10.45am. No other funerals had been scheduled for New Year’s Eve or New Year’s Day.
The crematorium was built in 1934.
News Source: Gloucestershire Live
Plymouth City Council, which runs the facilities, has cancelled all services at Efford – with more than 50 booked in the next three weeks. A spokeswoman said: “We are very sorry that we have had to take this decision, but with the damage to the crematorium, we cannot provide families with the peaceful and contemplative place it needs to be for grieving families.”
The celebrant who took the last funeral before the lunchtime blaze on Tuesday has meanwhile spoken out against people making jokes about the fire on social media. They said: “To say that I am shocked by some of the thoughtless remarks on here would be a huge understatement. Our administrators have removed several comments."
The council said that it was working with funeral directors to identify alternative arrangements. A spokeswoman said: “We will be increasing the available services at Weston Mill through longer hours and weekend working, which may offer many families a time slot and /or day as close as possible to meet their needs. We also recognise that some families will wish to use alternative venues. The council cannot say when Efford Crematorium will reopen and is awaiting reports on the extent of the damage - but a hole has been left in the roof.
No members of the public were in the building when fire broke out in the roof space just after noon .The previous service had been held at 10.45am. No other funerals had been scheduled for New Year’s Eve or New Year’s Day.
The crematorium was built in 1934.
News Source: Gloucestershire Live
Efford Crematorium was built in 1934.
30 December 2019 (18:00*) - Firefighters rush to famous Cambridgeshire hotel after it catches fire
An iconic Cambridgeshire hotel has caught on fire. The Old Bridge Hotel in Huntingdon has been locked down by firefighters after flames were seen on its roof. Traffic is struggling to get over the bridge between Huntingdon and Godmanchester while emergency services deal with the situation.
A spokeswoman for Cambrideshire Fire & Recuse confirmed fire crews are currently at the Old Bridge Hotel. She said that they had been called due to a chimney fire and a couple of crews had been sent. She added that firefighters had the situation under their control. According to various posts on social media, guests at the hotel having their dinner before a passerby rushed in saying flames were coming from one of the chimneys. Ten minutes later fire engines had arrived at the scene and the hotel had to be evacuated.
Just after 7pm it was confirmed that firefighters have now put out the fire at the hotel according to its managing director John Hoskins, and guests are allowed back into the building. Mr Hoskins said: “Just to update you on the fire at The Old Bridge. As the Fire service said, it was only within a chimney. It has been put out and now guests are allowed back in the building and we are operating ‘business as normal’.”
The Grade II listed hotel was built sometime between 1826 and 1835 and was formerly the residence of the Vesey family. It has had a variety of uses since and is one of Huntingdon's most famous landmarks covered in leaves as you cross over the River Ouse into the town.
News Source: Cambridgeshire Live
A spokeswoman for Cambrideshire Fire & Recuse confirmed fire crews are currently at the Old Bridge Hotel. She said that they had been called due to a chimney fire and a couple of crews had been sent. She added that firefighters had the situation under their control. According to various posts on social media, guests at the hotel having their dinner before a passerby rushed in saying flames were coming from one of the chimneys. Ten minutes later fire engines had arrived at the scene and the hotel had to be evacuated.
Just after 7pm it was confirmed that firefighters have now put out the fire at the hotel according to its managing director John Hoskins, and guests are allowed back into the building. Mr Hoskins said: “Just to update you on the fire at The Old Bridge. As the Fire service said, it was only within a chimney. It has been put out and now guests are allowed back in the building and we are operating ‘business as normal’.”
The Grade II listed hotel was built sometime between 1826 and 1835 and was formerly the residence of the Vesey family. It has had a variety of uses since and is one of Huntingdon's most famous landmarks covered in leaves as you cross over the River Ouse into the town.
News Source: Cambridgeshire Live
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Listing Details
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Entry Name: Old Bridge Hotel
Listing Date: 10 January 1951 Grade: II Source: Historic England Source ID: 1161626 English Heritage Legacy ID: 53560 Location: Huntingdon, Huntingdonshire, Cambridgeshire, PE29 County: Cambridgeshire District: Huntingdonshire Civil Parish: Huntingdon Built-Up Area: Huntingdon Traditional County: Huntingdonshire Lieutenancy Area (Ceremonial County): Cambridgeshire Church of England Parish: Huntingdon St Mary Church of England Diocese: Ely |
Coordinates
Latitude: 52.3277 / 52°19'39"N Longitude: -0.1787 / 0°10'43"W OS Eastings: 524214 OS Northings: 271516 OS Grid: TL242715 Mapcode National: GBR J2W.3MZ Mapcode Global: VHGLW.VRDG |
30 December 2019 (15:00*) - Twynersh Hungry Horse pub in Chertsey on fire
A fire broke out at the Twynersh pub in Chertsey on Monday afternoon (December 30) with smoke seen pouring into the air as firefighters tackled the blaze. Videos and photos from the scene showed huge plumes of thick grey smoke coming from the pub building, run by the Hungry Horse chain, and firefighters standing on a flat roof on part of the pub while directing a jet of water towards a section of roof.
Surrey Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) said the call came in at 3pm with five fire engines deployed to the scene at the junction of Thorpe Road and Staines Road. A large hole could be seen in the roof as of 4pm after the flames subsided but firefighters continue to battle the smouldering building for another hour. Investigation work then commenced. Fire investigators are still working at the scene.
The building has always been known as Twynersh and was built in 1844. There is a large ornate date stone on the end of the building with a Coat of Arms and the letters “W.E.”
News Source: Surrey Live
Surrey Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) said the call came in at 3pm with five fire engines deployed to the scene at the junction of Thorpe Road and Staines Road. A large hole could be seen in the roof as of 4pm after the flames subsided but firefighters continue to battle the smouldering building for another hour. Investigation work then commenced. Fire investigators are still working at the scene.
The building has always been known as Twynersh and was built in 1844. There is a large ornate date stone on the end of the building with a Coat of Arms and the letters “W.E.”
News Source: Surrey Live
Fire at Twynersh Hungry Horse
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30 December 2019 (12:30*) - Derelict pub the Victoria catches fire on Woolwich Road
Four fire engines and 25 firefighters were called to put out a fire at a derelict pub in Greenwich yesterday. The Victoria, a long-abandoned pub on Woolwich Road, caught fire, causing damage to the ground floor of the two storey public house. London Fire Brigade's control centre received six calls about the fire around 12:30pm, and fire crews East Greenwich and Plumstead attended the scene. The fire was under control by 13:21, and damage to the building was limited. LFB said the cause of the fire would be investigated.
This is not the first fire at the derelict pub, with another breaking out in May 2019. That fire ripped through the building and four fire engines and around 25 firefighters attended. In July the owners of the former Victoria pub submitted revised plans to refurbish creating a Dominos Pizza takeaway and flats. A previous proposal was submitted almost three years ago with no work carried out as the plan was eventually withdrawn due to concerns from planning officers.
Despite the beautiful exterior featuring the Truman's Brewery eagle symbol the pub is in a terrible condition and appears as if it could collapse at any point. There are metal poles, in the fly-tipped rubbish strewn cellar, that are propping up the building. After years of neglect and poor security the interior of the building has been gutted out and is full of pigeon droppings.
Built in about the 1870s the building is Locally Listed and lies within the Thames Barrier and Bowater Road Conservation Area. Its listing description is given below in Building History.
News Source: This is Local London
This is not the first fire at the derelict pub, with another breaking out in May 2019. That fire ripped through the building and four fire engines and around 25 firefighters attended. In July the owners of the former Victoria pub submitted revised plans to refurbish creating a Dominos Pizza takeaway and flats. A previous proposal was submitted almost three years ago with no work carried out as the plan was eventually withdrawn due to concerns from planning officers.
Despite the beautiful exterior featuring the Truman's Brewery eagle symbol the pub is in a terrible condition and appears as if it could collapse at any point. There are metal poles, in the fly-tipped rubbish strewn cellar, that are propping up the building. After years of neglect and poor security the interior of the building has been gutted out and is full of pigeon droppings.
Built in about the 1870s the building is Locally Listed and lies within the Thames Barrier and Bowater Road Conservation Area. Its listing description is given below in Building History.
News Source: This is Local London
Building History
(Researched by Heritage & Ecclesiastical Fire Protection)
Late Victorian public house with Edwardian tiled façade by Truman’s Brewery. Despite fire-damaged interiors the fine tiled façade of 1910 survives with several splendid features including the large spread eagle which holds up the corner above the name ‘The Victoria’ and Truman’s trademark eagle on the Eastmoor Street façade. Significant townscape value being the only remaining building marking former historic crossroads of Eastmoor Street 107 of 132 Woolwich Road which gives a sense of the now lost, formerly intimate streetscape of the area. Qualifies due to architectural interest as an evocative and sole-surviving example and environmental significance as a characterful, time-honoured local feature.
(Researched by Heritage & Ecclesiastical Fire Protection)
Late Victorian public house with Edwardian tiled façade by Truman’s Brewery. Despite fire-damaged interiors the fine tiled façade of 1910 survives with several splendid features including the large spread eagle which holds up the corner above the name ‘The Victoria’ and Truman’s trademark eagle on the Eastmoor Street façade. Significant townscape value being the only remaining building marking former historic crossroads of Eastmoor Street 107 of 132 Woolwich Road which gives a sense of the now lost, formerly intimate streetscape of the area. Qualifies due to architectural interest as an evocative and sole-surviving example and environmental significance as a characterful, time-honoured local feature.
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30 December 2019 (01:33) - 'Fire coming from every window': rural home gutted by fierce blaze
Firefighters battled for 11 hours to control a blaze that tore through a home in a Norfolk town. Seven fire crews were dispatched to fight the fire at a home on The Moor in Reepham at 1.33am on Monday December 30. Norfolk firefighters finally stood down at 12.23pm.
Crews from Dereham, Reepham, Holt, Aylsham, Fakenham and Sheringham attended and used mains hose reel jets. A water carrier from Fakenham and aerial ladder platform from Great Yarmouth were also mobilised. No one was inside the house at the time of the blaze and an investigation to establish the cause is under way.
Perry Smith, watch manager at Reepham fire station, explained the scale of the task faced by firefighters following their arrival. He said: "When we arrived we encountered a fully developed fire on the first floor of the property, and the ground floor was nearly fully engulfed as well. With fire coming from every window, you know putting it out is going to be a difficult challenge. Any fire in an old building such as this, as fully developed as it was, is always going to be challenging - especially with the building being so unstable. We don't know how it started. There's an investigation taking place at this very minute which will probably continue over the next few days."
On Monday afternoon firefighters from Reepham remained at The Moor, using a thermal image camera to detect hot spots and continuing to dampen down using hose reel jets. A police forensics team was at the scene working alongside Norfolk Fire and Rescue Service as their investigation began.
Witness Phillip Leeder, 67, was awake at 2.30am and, after hearing sirens, went outside and saw the fire. The former fire fighter, who worked at Reepham fire station for seven years, said the home had been completely destroyed. Mr Leeder said: "There was a lot of smoke and there were flames at the back of the house. It looked like the roof had completely gone, as well as the two chimney stacks. It doesn't look like you can go into the building at all. As a former firefighter who worked for 37 years, the loss of home is always tragic and it still hits home for me."
The building that has been destroyed is Grade II listed Moor Lodge, built in the 18th century. A blacksmith was in residence in 1809.
News Source: Eastern Daily Press
Crews from Dereham, Reepham, Holt, Aylsham, Fakenham and Sheringham attended and used mains hose reel jets. A water carrier from Fakenham and aerial ladder platform from Great Yarmouth were also mobilised. No one was inside the house at the time of the blaze and an investigation to establish the cause is under way.
Perry Smith, watch manager at Reepham fire station, explained the scale of the task faced by firefighters following their arrival. He said: "When we arrived we encountered a fully developed fire on the first floor of the property, and the ground floor was nearly fully engulfed as well. With fire coming from every window, you know putting it out is going to be a difficult challenge. Any fire in an old building such as this, as fully developed as it was, is always going to be challenging - especially with the building being so unstable. We don't know how it started. There's an investigation taking place at this very minute which will probably continue over the next few days."
On Monday afternoon firefighters from Reepham remained at The Moor, using a thermal image camera to detect hot spots and continuing to dampen down using hose reel jets. A police forensics team was at the scene working alongside Norfolk Fire and Rescue Service as their investigation began.
Witness Phillip Leeder, 67, was awake at 2.30am and, after hearing sirens, went outside and saw the fire. The former fire fighter, who worked at Reepham fire station for seven years, said the home had been completely destroyed. Mr Leeder said: "There was a lot of smoke and there were flames at the back of the house. It looked like the roof had completely gone, as well as the two chimney stacks. It doesn't look like you can go into the building at all. As a former firefighter who worked for 37 years, the loss of home is always tragic and it still hits home for me."
The building that has been destroyed is Grade II listed Moor Lodge, built in the 18th century. A blacksmith was in residence in 1809.
News Source: Eastern Daily Press
Listing Details
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Entry Name: Moor Lodge
Listing Date: 22 July 1983 Grade: II Source: Historic England Source ID: 1170006 English Heritage Legacy ID: 220009 Location: Reepham, Broadland, Norfolk, NR10 County: Norfolk District: Broadland Civil Parish: Reepham Built-Up Area: Reepham Traditional County: Norfolk Lieutenancy Area (Ceremonial County): Norfolk Church of England Parish: Reepham St Mary Church of England Diocese: Norwich |
Coordinates
Latitude: 52.7656 / 52°45'56"N Longitude: 1.1246 / 1°7'28"E OS Eastings: 610900 OS Northings: 323243 OS Grid: TG109232 Mapcode National: GBR TC4.P4J Mapcode Global: WHLRN.7RR6 |
28 December 2019 (14:30*) - Shoppers evacuated from Argos during fire in Western Road
Sales shoppers were evacuated from a shop after a fire broke out. The small fire started in a light fitting at the Argos store, in Western Road, Brighton, at about 2.30pm on Saturday. A spokeswoman for East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service said the fire was quickly put out with a carbon dioxide fire extinguisher.
The building occupied by Argos is Locally Listed, originally built for Boots in 1927-8 and designed by Bromley, Cartwright & Waumsley.
News Source: The Argus
The building occupied by Argos is Locally Listed, originally built for Boots in 1927-8 and designed by Bromley, Cartwright & Waumsley.
News Source: The Argus
28 December 2019 (02:00*) - Seven fire crews from across Wiltshire sent to thatched cottage blaze
Firefighters from across Wiltshire were called to a fire at a thatched cottage this morning. Seven fire crews from as far away as Salisbury were called to the chimney fire in Marden, near Devizes, during the early hours of Saturday, 28 December. Some firefighters traveled more than 20 miles to attend the blaze, with crews from Pewsey, Devizes, Salisbury, Melksham, Ludgershall, Marlborough, Amesbury attending.
The large number of crews were sent to the scene due to the roof being a thatch. A fire spokesperson said: “The counties of Dorset and Wiltshire have thousands of thatched homes – although there is no increased risk of fire within thatched properties, the impact of a fire is far greater. Thatch fires are typically attended by in excess of 50 firefighters, at least eight appliances and often for over 24 hours.”
The fire was at Hawthorne Cottage, a Grade II listed 18th century building.
News Source: Wiltshire 999s
The large number of crews were sent to the scene due to the roof being a thatch. A fire spokesperson said: “The counties of Dorset and Wiltshire have thousands of thatched homes – although there is no increased risk of fire within thatched properties, the impact of a fire is far greater. Thatch fires are typically attended by in excess of 50 firefighters, at least eight appliances and often for over 24 hours.”
The fire was at Hawthorne Cottage, a Grade II listed 18th century building.
News Source: Wiltshire 999s
Listing Details
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Entry Name: Hawthorn Cottage
Listing Date: 25 March 1988 Grade: II Source: Historic England Source ID: 1284513 English Heritage Legacy ID: 312014 Location: Marden, Wiltshire, SN10 County: Wiltshire Civil Parish: Marden Traditional County: Wiltshire Lieutenancy Area (Ceremonial County): Wiltshire |
Coordinates
Latitude: 51.3198 / 51°19'11"N Longitude: -1.8773 / 1°52'38"W OS Eastings: 408645 OS Northings: 157865 OS Grid: SU086578 Mapcode National: GBR 3WX.06K Mapcode Global: VHB4Q.D3W1 |
28 December 2019 (01:30) - Sixty firefighters tackle blaze at Kings Cross hotel
Eight fire engines and around 60 firefighters have been called to a fire at a hotel on Argyle Street in King’s Cross. Part of a basement laundry room in the four-storey building was alight. One man and one woman were rescued from the first floor via an internal staircase by firefighters wearing breathing apparatus. A further 47 people left the building before the Brigade arrived. There were no reports of any injuries.
The Brigade was called at 0130 and the fire was under control by 0302. Fire crews from Euston, Islington, Soho, Paddington, Shoreditch and Kentish Town fire stations were at the scene. The cause of the fire is not known at this stage and is under investigation.
The fire was at the Central hotel, one of a number of small hotels in a terrace of what were originally 13 houses. The row is Grade II listed and was built around 1833.
News Source: London Fire Brigade
The Brigade was called at 0130 and the fire was under control by 0302. Fire crews from Euston, Islington, Soho, Paddington, Shoreditch and Kentish Town fire stations were at the scene. The cause of the fire is not known at this stage and is under investigation.
The fire was at the Central hotel, one of a number of small hotels in a terrace of what were originally 13 houses. The row is Grade II listed and was built around 1833.
News Source: London Fire Brigade
Listing Details
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Entry Name: Numbers 12-36 and Attached Railings
Listing Date: 14 May 1974 Grade: II Source: Historic England Source ID: 1244679 English Heritage Legacy ID: 476615 Location: Camden, London, WC1H County: London District: Camden Electoral Ward/Division: King's Cross Built-Up Area: Camden Traditional County: Middlesex Lieutenancy Area (Ceremonial County): Greater London Church of England Parish: Holy Cross Cromer Street Church of England Diocese: London |
Coordinates
Latitude: 51.5292 / 51°31'45"N Longitude: -0.124 / 0°7'26"W OS Eastings: 530228 OS Northings: 182816 OS Grid: TQ302828 Mapcode National: GBR J5.9Z Mapcode Global: VHGQS.STSK |
27 December 2019 (22:58) - Major fire at former school in Par, Cornwall
Multiple fire crews battled a major fire at a former school in Cornwall last night after several residents called 999 to report "flames being seen coming through the roof". The fire at the former Roselyon School was reported just before 11pm yesterday (December 27), according to Cornwall Fire and Rescue Service. Witnesses said they could see the fire "from around a mile away" and could hear the "cracking of wood burning" while a video from the scene shows flames and smoke billowing into the sky above the abandoned building on St Blazey Road in Par.
Neighbours used buckets and hoses to try to stem the spread of the fire before firefighters arrived. One resident said: "There were residents using buckets of water, throwing it over sheds and the hedge to keep it damped down. One young man with a garden hose was trying to keep down and away from houses and sheds until the firemen turned up. There were about six of them and they had just got a second hose running through two gardens on fire as fire crew turned up and told everyone to go in the homes and shut their windows as there would be a lot of smoke when they started.”
Five fire crews battled the fire through the early hours of this morning and police were also informed of the incident. The operation was being scaled back at about 2am. It is understood that the fire was in an outbuilding on the former school site. The cause of the fire is not yet known.
Roselyon School was founded in 1952 in a mine-owner’s house on a wooded, five acre site in Par. It moved out in September 2018. The original house was built sometime between 1840 – 1880.
News Source: Cornwall Live
Neighbours used buckets and hoses to try to stem the spread of the fire before firefighters arrived. One resident said: "There were residents using buckets of water, throwing it over sheds and the hedge to keep it damped down. One young man with a garden hose was trying to keep down and away from houses and sheds until the firemen turned up. There were about six of them and they had just got a second hose running through two gardens on fire as fire crew turned up and told everyone to go in the homes and shut their windows as there would be a lot of smoke when they started.”
Five fire crews battled the fire through the early hours of this morning and police were also informed of the incident. The operation was being scaled back at about 2am. It is understood that the fire was in an outbuilding on the former school site. The cause of the fire is not yet known.
Roselyon School was founded in 1952 in a mine-owner’s house on a wooded, five acre site in Par. It moved out in September 2018. The original house was built sometime between 1840 – 1880.
News Source: Cornwall Live
Multiple fire crews battled a major fire at a former school in Cornwall
27 December 2019 (15:30) - Fire breaks out at Old Soap Factory in Lewes
People were warned to keep clear of an industrial estate after a fire broke out in a derelict building. Firefighters were called to the Phoenix Industrial Estate in North Street Lewes just after 3.30pm on Friday. Witnesses described seeing plumes of black smoke that later turned white at the site - known locally as the Old Soap Factory.
A spokesperson for East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service said: “The fire was at a derelict industrial unit. Crews searched the building. Everyone has been accounted for and there are no reports of injuries.” At the height of the blaze six fire engines were at the scene. Crews had put out the blaze by 5.45pm - but returned at 8pm to check the scene was safe.
The building known locally as the old soap factory was built in 1911 and was originally a warehouse building for the Phoenix Ironworks, a company that was central to the working lives of a great many Lewes families during its 154 year history. The 1911 Warehouse features in a Town Heritage Trail that has been created to enable visitors to trace the site of the Phoenix works and the many artefacts and remnants of its former influence on Lewes.
News Source: The Argus
A spokesperson for East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service said: “The fire was at a derelict industrial unit. Crews searched the building. Everyone has been accounted for and there are no reports of injuries.” At the height of the blaze six fire engines were at the scene. Crews had put out the blaze by 5.45pm - but returned at 8pm to check the scene was safe.
The building known locally as the old soap factory was built in 1911 and was originally a warehouse building for the Phoenix Ironworks, a company that was central to the working lives of a great many Lewes families during its 154 year history. The 1911 Warehouse features in a Town Heritage Trail that has been created to enable visitors to trace the site of the Phoenix works and the many artefacts and remnants of its former influence on Lewes.
News Source: The Argus
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Building History
(Researched by Heritage & Ecclesiastical Fire Protection)
The Phoenix Ironworks were founded by John Every in 1832. The business was started in a small building at the bottom of North Street, Lewes. It was originally a simple furnace, with the fan to supply the blast driven by a horse attached to a wheel. In 1861 John Every purchased land at the bottom of North Street and moved the business into entirely new premises. The business developed quite rapidly and in 1872 he was joined by his son, John William Every. By 1885 the third John Every, John Henry Every had joined his father and grandfather.
By the early 1930s John H Every was running the business. At this point, the works was vast and employed at least 500 men and women. There were two furnaces and it wasn’t unusual to make 25 tons of castings a day. In addition to the furnaces there was an engineering department and departments for the fabrication and construction of steelwork which included a hydraulic riveting plant. The power to drive all the machines came from two steam engines. A large amount of the material travelled by river and vessels were served by two steam powered cranes. J.H. Every purchased part of the Paddock Playing field and erected a pavilion in the grounds for use of the Phoenix Sports Club members. In 1943 J.H. Every’s son, John Morris Every, changed the name to John Every Lewes Ltd which can be seen on many drain covers around Lewes.
After a disastrous fire in 1948 which destroyed much of the original works in
Phoenix Place, the Phoenix rose from the ashes and in 1951 was sold to Mr Burchell and was renamed East Sussex Engineering Company Ltd., reflecting the changed emphasis from castings to general engineering. During the 1950s and 60s the demand for cast iron was declining and the company concentrated on heavy engineering and structural steel work. By the 1970s there were few works in England that had the capabilities to take on a job such as the gangways made for the cruise ship SS Canberra’s visit to Hong Kong’s Kowloon Wharf. However the engineers at East Sussex Engineering Company played a major role in the design and the entire works was involved in the creation of these gangways.
In 1976 Aurora Holdings bought the factory. They sold off the assets and most of the employees lost their jobs. The non-ferrous metal side was bought by GKS Coxheads Ltd in 1978. They continued trading until April 1986, when the last casting was made and the last four men to be employed were made redundant.
(Researched by Heritage & Ecclesiastical Fire Protection)
The Phoenix Ironworks were founded by John Every in 1832. The business was started in a small building at the bottom of North Street, Lewes. It was originally a simple furnace, with the fan to supply the blast driven by a horse attached to a wheel. In 1861 John Every purchased land at the bottom of North Street and moved the business into entirely new premises. The business developed quite rapidly and in 1872 he was joined by his son, John William Every. By 1885 the third John Every, John Henry Every had joined his father and grandfather.
By the early 1930s John H Every was running the business. At this point, the works was vast and employed at least 500 men and women. There were two furnaces and it wasn’t unusual to make 25 tons of castings a day. In addition to the furnaces there was an engineering department and departments for the fabrication and construction of steelwork which included a hydraulic riveting plant. The power to drive all the machines came from two steam engines. A large amount of the material travelled by river and vessels were served by two steam powered cranes. J.H. Every purchased part of the Paddock Playing field and erected a pavilion in the grounds for use of the Phoenix Sports Club members. In 1943 J.H. Every’s son, John Morris Every, changed the name to John Every Lewes Ltd which can be seen on many drain covers around Lewes.
After a disastrous fire in 1948 which destroyed much of the original works in
Phoenix Place, the Phoenix rose from the ashes and in 1951 was sold to Mr Burchell and was renamed East Sussex Engineering Company Ltd., reflecting the changed emphasis from castings to general engineering. During the 1950s and 60s the demand for cast iron was declining and the company concentrated on heavy engineering and structural steel work. By the 1970s there were few works in England that had the capabilities to take on a job such as the gangways made for the cruise ship SS Canberra’s visit to Hong Kong’s Kowloon Wharf. However the engineers at East Sussex Engineering Company played a major role in the design and the entire works was involved in the creation of these gangways.
In 1976 Aurora Holdings bought the factory. They sold off the assets and most of the employees lost their jobs. The non-ferrous metal side was bought by GKS Coxheads Ltd in 1978. They continued trading until April 1986, when the last casting was made and the last four men to be employed were made redundant.
This photo shows the 1911 warehouse building in 1935.
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An advertisement for the Phoenix Iron Works
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26 December 2019 (14:50) - 'Fireball' at Hornsey Moravian Church after Christmas tree goes up in smoke on Boxing Day
London Fire Brigade were called at ten to three in the afternoon, and six fire engines and about 40 firefighters were quickly on the scene. The church's minister, James Woolford, had been celebrating Boxing Day in Yorkshire but travelled back to London when he heard about the fire.
He said: "I think some of the lights on the Christmas tree overheated so the tree went up, and then we have vents in our steeple that saw a secondary fire start. There was fireball, or a flash fire, there. I think it was going for about three hours in total, for two of those the fire brigade were there. It's been pretty dramatic. Fortunately the building is structurally sound, but it's going to be quite the rebuilding job."
The brigade said part of the ground floor and church's roof were damaged by the fire but there were no reports of any injuries.The firefighters reported that the fire was under control by 1629. Fire crews from Hornsey, Holloway, Finchley and Tottenham fire stations were at the scene.
James later added that the church hall had been undamaged so the incident should not affect the coming winter night shelter it hosts in late January, and that services would be held in the church hall while repairs were carried out, so parishioners shouldn't worry. He said the church was lucky to have insurance. "We are really grateful to the fire brigade; they were fantastic and stayed watch overnight in case of any secondary fires." He said he had been inundated with messages from would-be volunteers who would help the clean-up, but at this point he was waiting to hear from the church's insurers.
Cllr Adam Jogee (Lab, Hornsey) visited the scene shortly after the fire had been extinguished. He told this newspaper: "The Moravian Church is a huge part of the Hornsey community and I am so pleased to see the fire was contained and extinguished as fast as it was." The fire brigade said the cause of the fire remains under investigation.
The Moravian Church is a Locally Listed building. The church was opened on Thursday, the 24th September 1908.
News Source: Ham & High
He said: "I think some of the lights on the Christmas tree overheated so the tree went up, and then we have vents in our steeple that saw a secondary fire start. There was fireball, or a flash fire, there. I think it was going for about three hours in total, for two of those the fire brigade were there. It's been pretty dramatic. Fortunately the building is structurally sound, but it's going to be quite the rebuilding job."
The brigade said part of the ground floor and church's roof were damaged by the fire but there were no reports of any injuries.The firefighters reported that the fire was under control by 1629. Fire crews from Hornsey, Holloway, Finchley and Tottenham fire stations were at the scene.
James later added that the church hall had been undamaged so the incident should not affect the coming winter night shelter it hosts in late January, and that services would be held in the church hall while repairs were carried out, so parishioners shouldn't worry. He said the church was lucky to have insurance. "We are really grateful to the fire brigade; they were fantastic and stayed watch overnight in case of any secondary fires." He said he had been inundated with messages from would-be volunteers who would help the clean-up, but at this point he was waiting to hear from the church's insurers.
Cllr Adam Jogee (Lab, Hornsey) visited the scene shortly after the fire had been extinguished. He told this newspaper: "The Moravian Church is a huge part of the Hornsey community and I am so pleased to see the fire was contained and extinguished as fast as it was." The fire brigade said the cause of the fire remains under investigation.
The Moravian Church is a Locally Listed building. The church was opened on Thursday, the 24th September 1908.
News Source: Ham & High
25 December 2019 (21:07) - Fire at The Morley Arms pub in Plymouth
Fire crews have been called to a chimney blaze at a popular Plymouth pub on Christmas Day. Crews have been called to the Morley Arms pub in Billacombe Road tonight after reports of a fire. A spokesperson for Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service has confirmed there was a fire in a chimney. "The fire service attended a chimney fire in the above area. One fire appliance from Greenbank was mobilised to this incident. On arrival, crews confirmed the Chimney was alight and requested further assistance from an aerial ladder platform. The aerial ladder platform was mobilised from Crownhill. The fire has now been extinguished using chimney rods. The cause of the fire is believed to be accidental."
An eyewitness said: "The fire brigade are currently at the Morley arms pub. Not sure what's going on." A spokesman from Greenbank Fire Station said: "It was just a chimney fire. If you're going to have a fire anywhere, the chimney is the best place for it. It was just confined to the chimney and there was no damage to the building."
The pub is Grade II listed and was constructed in 1824 to house the workers who built the original Laira Bridge. This nearly bankrupted the Morley family, after whom the pub was named after the bridge was completed. Most of the rooms have been opened out, but retain the wall beams giving a cosy feel to a visually open area.
News Source: Plymouth Live
An eyewitness said: "The fire brigade are currently at the Morley arms pub. Not sure what's going on." A spokesman from Greenbank Fire Station said: "It was just a chimney fire. If you're going to have a fire anywhere, the chimney is the best place for it. It was just confined to the chimney and there was no damage to the building."
The pub is Grade II listed and was constructed in 1824 to house the workers who built the original Laira Bridge. This nearly bankrupted the Morley family, after whom the pub was named after the bridge was completed. Most of the rooms have been opened out, but retain the wall beams giving a cosy feel to a visually open area.
News Source: Plymouth Live
The Moreley Arms dates back to 1824
Listing Details
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Entry Name: The Morley Arms Public House
Listing Date: 1 May 1975 Grade: II Source: Historic England Source ID: 1322011 English Heritage Legacy ID: 473552 Location: Plymouth, PL9 County: City of Plymouth Electoral Ward/Division: Plymstock Radford Parish: Non Civil Parish Built-Up Area: Plymstock Traditional County: Devon Lieutenancy Area (Ceremonial County): Devon |
Coordinates
Latitude: 50.3676 / 50°22'3"N Longitude: -4.1069 / 4°6'24"W OS Eastings: 250259 OS Northings: 54092 OS Grid: SX502540 Mapcode National: GBR NY.V6XN Mapcode Global: FRA 2882.CTZ |
25 December 2019 (14:00) - Chorley pub evacuated on Christmas Day after lights burn out
Punters had their Christmas drinks interrupted as they had to evacuate a pub in Chorley this afternoon. Customers at The Imperial had to leave the pub after a florescent light burnt out.
The alarm sounded and triggered four fire engines to mobilise – but only one turned out when the severity of the situation became clear. Crews from Chorley fire station who attended said that the situation was soon under control. People were able to return to the pub after around 10 minutes.
Originally known as the Cattle Market Tavern when built about 1870, the pub's name changed to the Imperial around 1898. In recent years the pub was known as Times Square but is now back to The Imperial.
News Source: Lancashire Telegraph
The alarm sounded and triggered four fire engines to mobilise – but only one turned out when the severity of the situation became clear. Crews from Chorley fire station who attended said that the situation was soon under control. People were able to return to the pub after around 10 minutes.
Originally known as the Cattle Market Tavern when built about 1870, the pub's name changed to the Imperial around 1898. In recent years the pub was known as Times Square but is now back to The Imperial.
News Source: Lancashire Telegraph
A light fitting burned out at The Imperial
23 December 2019 (20:00*) - Fire leaves Victorian manor house hotel in Northamptonshire with 'significant damage'
'Significant damage' has been done to a Victorian manor hotel house in Northamptonshire after a fire last night (Monday, December 23). Up to 30 firefighters were working together to put out the blaze at the Plum Park Hotel in Paulersbury, near Towcester, from around 8pm.
The wedding venue and boutique hotel has posted on Facebook saying the team is 'absolutely devastated'. "Thank you to everyone that has reached out overnight," the post reads. "Our family and staff are absolutely devastated but extremely grateful to the fire brigade for their work last night. No one was injured. We’ll respond to all messages as soon as we can but please bear with us for a few days as we assess the extent of the damage and implications. We’ll share more information as soon as we can. Again, thank you and we wish you and your loved ones a merry Christmas."
The ground floor is the worst affected part of the hotel, with some damage to the first floor too, Northamptonshire Fire and Rescue Service (NFRS) tweeted. "No suspicious circumstances at this stage, however, NFRS investigators will be on scene at first light to assess the situation," the tweets last night added. The fire was under control by 10pm but firefighters stayed on the scene to damp it down overnight - no one was hurt. The A5 was closed between the roundabout for the A508 and Towcester but reopened at around 1.55am this morning (Tuesday).
News Source: Northampton Chronicle and Echo
The wedding venue and boutique hotel has posted on Facebook saying the team is 'absolutely devastated'. "Thank you to everyone that has reached out overnight," the post reads. "Our family and staff are absolutely devastated but extremely grateful to the fire brigade for their work last night. No one was injured. We’ll respond to all messages as soon as we can but please bear with us for a few days as we assess the extent of the damage and implications. We’ll share more information as soon as we can. Again, thank you and we wish you and your loved ones a merry Christmas."
The ground floor is the worst affected part of the hotel, with some damage to the first floor too, Northamptonshire Fire and Rescue Service (NFRS) tweeted. "No suspicious circumstances at this stage, however, NFRS investigators will be on scene at first light to assess the situation," the tweets last night added. The fire was under control by 10pm but firefighters stayed on the scene to damp it down overnight - no one was hurt. The A5 was closed between the roundabout for the A508 and Towcester but reopened at around 1.55am this morning (Tuesday).
News Source: Northampton Chronicle and Echo
Plum Park Hotel
23 December 2019 (18:00) - Gosport flat explosion prompts police investigation
A fire and explosion at a flat in Gosport in which a woman suffered serious burns is being investigated by the fire service and police. More than 30 firefighters tackled the blaze which broke out in a ground-floor flat in Henry Player Avenue on Monday shortly after 18:00 GMT. Police said the 33-year-old woman remained in hospital. Seven other people were treated for minor injuries. A cordon remains in place while police and fire crews examine the flat.
Six fire engines and additional support vehicles including the aerial ladder platform came from Gosport, Fareham, Cosham, Portchester and Southsea. Neighbouring flats have been evacuated as firefighters worked with the electricity and gas board to isolate the supply to the building. Firefighters used breathing apparatus, hose reels, jets and tactical ventilation fans to extinguish the fire before dampening down. The scene was handed over to Hampshire Constabulary as firefighters left the scene following the stop message, at 20:28.
Police officers have been working with Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service to examine the scene today (Tuesday 24 December). Hampshire Fire and Rescue Services have urged people to avoid the area as fire engines and support vehicles including an aerial ladder platform remain on the scene.
Henry Player Avenue comprises of two Grade II listed former barrack blocks which have been converted to flats. They were built 1856-59 as a transit station for infantry built after the Crimean War. It is thought that they might have been married quarters.
The road is named after Captain Henry Player who, in 1710, leased land at the naval yard and produced beer and biscuits, after obtaining a contract for supplying the navy. Over the century the range of goods supplied by the Victualling Yard and Naval Brewery Centre expanded to include coal. Eventually the yard was taken over by the navy and renamed Royal Clarence Yard, continuing in use into the later 20th century.
News Source: Daily Echo
Six fire engines and additional support vehicles including the aerial ladder platform came from Gosport, Fareham, Cosham, Portchester and Southsea. Neighbouring flats have been evacuated as firefighters worked with the electricity and gas board to isolate the supply to the building. Firefighters used breathing apparatus, hose reels, jets and tactical ventilation fans to extinguish the fire before dampening down. The scene was handed over to Hampshire Constabulary as firefighters left the scene following the stop message, at 20:28.
Police officers have been working with Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service to examine the scene today (Tuesday 24 December). Hampshire Fire and Rescue Services have urged people to avoid the area as fire engines and support vehicles including an aerial ladder platform remain on the scene.
Henry Player Avenue comprises of two Grade II listed former barrack blocks which have been converted to flats. They were built 1856-59 as a transit station for infantry built after the Crimean War. It is thought that they might have been married quarters.
The road is named after Captain Henry Player who, in 1710, leased land at the naval yard and produced beer and biscuits, after obtaining a contract for supplying the navy. Over the century the range of goods supplied by the Victualling Yard and Naval Brewery Centre expanded to include coal. Eventually the yard was taken over by the navy and renamed Royal Clarence Yard, continuing in use into the later 20th century.
News Source: Daily Echo
More than 30 firefighters tackled the blaze
Listing Details
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Entry Name: Barrack and Railings Opposite Entrance to Royal Clarence Yard, St George's Barracks
Listing Date: 20 April 1983 Last Amended: 4 February 1999 Grade: II Source: Historic England Source ID: 1233820 English Heritage Legacy ID: 409400 Location: Gosport, Hampshire, PO12 County: Hampshire District: Gosport Town: Gosport Electoral Ward/Division: Christchurch Built-Up Area: Gosport Traditional County: Hampshire Lieutenancy Area (Ceremonial County): Hampshire Church of England Parish: Gosport Holy Trinity Church of England Diocese: Portsmouth |
Coordinates
Latitude: 50.801 / 50°48'3"N Longitude: -1.1275 / 1°7'39"W OS Eastings: 461578 OS Northings: 100525 OS Grid: SU615005 Mapcode National: GBR VK6.Z6 Mapcode Global: FRA 86JZ.8K5 |
Near Miss
23 December 2019 (10:55) - Huge plume of smoke over Keynsham after fire breaks out behind Talbot pub
23 December 2019 (10:55) - Huge plume of smoke over Keynsham after fire breaks out behind Talbot pub
A fire has broken out behind a Keynsham pub today (December 23). Huge flames and plumes of black smoke have been captured rising from the area. Avon Fire and Rescue Service confirmed it attended a rubbish fire in Bath Hill. Witness Jake Akers, 19, from Brislington said: "I saw smoke rising from around the back of the pub. I could see the flames coming around the top of the building. There was thick black smoke."
Hicks Gate fire station said two appliances attended the blaze. They tweeted: "White Watch have just dealt with a rubbish fire at the rear of The Talbot Pub, due to the number of calls a 2nd appliance was mobilised from @AFRSKingswood, thankfully this was dealt with quickly with 1 Hosereel. Thanks to @AFRSControl for their part they always play." A spokesperson for Avon Fire and Rescue said: "At 10.55am, crews from Kingswood and Hicks Gate fire stations were mobilised to reports of a fire on Bath Road, Keynsham. On arrival, firefighters found a rubbish fire in open ground at the back of the building. Crews used on high pressure house reel to extinguish the fire. Police were in attendance and the incident has now been handed over to the police."
The Talbot Inn dates back to at least 1861, but the building existed prior to 1840, so may originally have been a house.
News Source: Bristol Live
Hicks Gate fire station said two appliances attended the blaze. They tweeted: "White Watch have just dealt with a rubbish fire at the rear of The Talbot Pub, due to the number of calls a 2nd appliance was mobilised from @AFRSKingswood, thankfully this was dealt with quickly with 1 Hosereel. Thanks to @AFRSControl for their part they always play." A spokesperson for Avon Fire and Rescue said: "At 10.55am, crews from Kingswood and Hicks Gate fire stations were mobilised to reports of a fire on Bath Road, Keynsham. On arrival, firefighters found a rubbish fire in open ground at the back of the building. Crews used on high pressure house reel to extinguish the fire. Police were in attendance and the incident has now been handed over to the police."
The Talbot Inn dates back to at least 1861, but the building existed prior to 1840, so may originally have been a house.
News Source: Bristol Live
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23 December 2019 (02:11) - ‘ABSOLUTE DISASTER’: Owner’s shock as fire devastates Aberdeen restaurant and law firm
Staff were celebrating their Christmas party at an Aberdeen restaurant – just hours before the building went up in flames. Workers from Valentino’s Italian – formerly Soju and later Dizzy’s – on Carden Place left their festive bash, which was due to finish around midnight, shortly before the block was ravaged by a massive inferno. Fire chiefs are today trying to solve the riddle of what started the fire, which destroyed the building, and whether it was suspicious.
Such was the scale of yesterday’s blaze it took about 40 firefighters four hours to put it out. They spent much of the day dampening down the ruins and trying to prevent the fire reigniting, before leaving at 4pm. However, the fire broke out again less than 25 minutes later and crews were back on the scene last night. Police closed neighbouring roads.
The building is owned by accident and injury legal firm Quantum Claims, which leases part of it to Valentino’s. Quantum Claims chairman Frank Lefevre said: “The building is ruined. It’s an absolute disaster. I spoke to someone from Valentino’s on Sunday morning. He was telling me what a brilliant night they had on Saturday night, with customers queuing out the door for tables and that they were getting ready for their Christmas party on Sunday night. They said it was winding down just after midnight, so it’s just a relief that nobody was hurt.”
The building used to house Queen’s Cross Maternity Home and many people reacted on social media with sorrow after learning the place they were born in was so badly damaged. Malcolm Milne told the Evening Express: “Many Aberdonians, including my sister, who was born there in 1961, entered the world in this building.” Mr LeFevre, whose firm bought the building in 1990, added: “My daughter phoned me at around 7am on Monday to tell me about the fire. I feel extremely upset by the news. It’s difficult to tell when the building will be fixed, at the moment we think it might be around two years.”
The building also contained Lefevre Litigation and Bidwells. It is not known whether the fire spread to neighbouring offices. Liam McAllister, partner at Lefevre Litigation, said: “My partner attended on Monday to see the extent of the damage. In the short term, we are relieved nobody has been hurt, which was our primary concern. Moving forward, we will be back in the new year in some capacity and will continue to represent our clients and continue operating – as will all the businesses in the office.”
Queen’s Cross councillor Jennifer Stewart said: “To see such a beautiful building like 70 Carden Place fall to its knees, it’s horrendous. For something like that to happen at this time of year, it’s really sad. I am gutted to hear the news but relieved that nobody has been hurt, which is the main priority. I have every faith that the fire service will get to the bottom of the cause of the fire.” It is understood fire chiefs will file a report once the fire is completely out. They will then decide if it is necessary to pass it to police.
Queen’s Cross church minister the Rev Scott Rennie said the events are deeply upsetting: “It is really sad – I think of all the people who work in the property, who we know very well and are great people in our community. It’s a horrible way to enter the Christmas season. We are just really shocked.” Scottish Conservative north-east MSP Liam Kerr said: “I’m relieved no one was injured. We owe a massive debt of gratitude to our firefighters and emergency workers who are on site managing the situation – they continue to do a fantastic job in keeping everyone safe.”
The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service’s Aberdeen city group commander Ally Birkett said: “This has been a large and challenging incident. Crews worked throughout the night working to bring this fire under control. We’re currently making good progress, but firefighting operations remain active. Please be aware that a number of road closures are in place around Carden Place and the surrounding area.”
Queen’s Cross Maternity Home opened on the 21st December 1945, and 28 of the first 29 babies born there were boys! Although of not any great age, the building is of great importance and significance to locals, as many of them were born there. It closed as a maternity home in about 1990 and became Dizzy’s Bar and Restaurant in 1992, when they moved from 1, Queens Cross. The building lies within the Albyn Place and Rubislaw Conservation Area.
News Source: Evening Express
Such was the scale of yesterday’s blaze it took about 40 firefighters four hours to put it out. They spent much of the day dampening down the ruins and trying to prevent the fire reigniting, before leaving at 4pm. However, the fire broke out again less than 25 minutes later and crews were back on the scene last night. Police closed neighbouring roads.
The building is owned by accident and injury legal firm Quantum Claims, which leases part of it to Valentino’s. Quantum Claims chairman Frank Lefevre said: “The building is ruined. It’s an absolute disaster. I spoke to someone from Valentino’s on Sunday morning. He was telling me what a brilliant night they had on Saturday night, with customers queuing out the door for tables and that they were getting ready for their Christmas party on Sunday night. They said it was winding down just after midnight, so it’s just a relief that nobody was hurt.”
The building used to house Queen’s Cross Maternity Home and many people reacted on social media with sorrow after learning the place they were born in was so badly damaged. Malcolm Milne told the Evening Express: “Many Aberdonians, including my sister, who was born there in 1961, entered the world in this building.” Mr LeFevre, whose firm bought the building in 1990, added: “My daughter phoned me at around 7am on Monday to tell me about the fire. I feel extremely upset by the news. It’s difficult to tell when the building will be fixed, at the moment we think it might be around two years.”
The building also contained Lefevre Litigation and Bidwells. It is not known whether the fire spread to neighbouring offices. Liam McAllister, partner at Lefevre Litigation, said: “My partner attended on Monday to see the extent of the damage. In the short term, we are relieved nobody has been hurt, which was our primary concern. Moving forward, we will be back in the new year in some capacity and will continue to represent our clients and continue operating – as will all the businesses in the office.”
Queen’s Cross councillor Jennifer Stewart said: “To see such a beautiful building like 70 Carden Place fall to its knees, it’s horrendous. For something like that to happen at this time of year, it’s really sad. I am gutted to hear the news but relieved that nobody has been hurt, which is the main priority. I have every faith that the fire service will get to the bottom of the cause of the fire.” It is understood fire chiefs will file a report once the fire is completely out. They will then decide if it is necessary to pass it to police.
Queen’s Cross church minister the Rev Scott Rennie said the events are deeply upsetting: “It is really sad – I think of all the people who work in the property, who we know very well and are great people in our community. It’s a horrible way to enter the Christmas season. We are just really shocked.” Scottish Conservative north-east MSP Liam Kerr said: “I’m relieved no one was injured. We owe a massive debt of gratitude to our firefighters and emergency workers who are on site managing the situation – they continue to do a fantastic job in keeping everyone safe.”
The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service’s Aberdeen city group commander Ally Birkett said: “This has been a large and challenging incident. Crews worked throughout the night working to bring this fire under control. We’re currently making good progress, but firefighting operations remain active. Please be aware that a number of road closures are in place around Carden Place and the surrounding area.”
Queen’s Cross Maternity Home opened on the 21st December 1945, and 28 of the first 29 babies born there were boys! Although of not any great age, the building is of great importance and significance to locals, as many of them were born there. It closed as a maternity home in about 1990 and became Dizzy’s Bar and Restaurant in 1992, when they moved from 1, Queens Cross. The building lies within the Albyn Place and Rubislaw Conservation Area.
News Source: Evening Express
Huge fire at Valentino's
23 December 2019 (00:15*) - Arson attack damages old Kincora Boys Home, Belfast
A vacant building in East Belfast has been targeted by arsonists. The old house, which used to be the Kincora Boys’ Home, appears to have suffered some internal damage in the attack. Part of the building has suffered scorch damage at a window, however there does not appear to be significant external damage.
Police , who were at the property on Monday morning, said they are appealing for witnesses “following an arson attack on a property on the Newtownards Road in East Belfast overnight”. A spokesman added: “Shortly after midnight it was reported that a vacant property on Newtownards Road close to the junction of North Road was on fire. Police and NIFRS attended and the fire was extinguished. Damage was caused to a ground floor room as a result of the fire. A car was heard speeding away from the scene around the time of the incident.”
The Kincora Boys' Home was opened by the local Health Board in 1958 as a residence for boys from broken homes. It was the scene of alleged serious organised child sexual abuse, causing a scandal and attempted cover-up in 1980, with allegations of state collusion. There have been calls for the building to be demolished due to its difficult history, but the council have refused permission as the large Victorian building makes a positive contribution to the Belmont Area of Townscape Character.
An Area of Townscape Character is an area that has been recognised as having distinctive character, but not sufficient to warrant Conservation Area status. However, because of their own unique identity it may be appropriate to identify and define these as Areas of Townscape or Village Character.
News Source: Belfast Live
Police , who were at the property on Monday morning, said they are appealing for witnesses “following an arson attack on a property on the Newtownards Road in East Belfast overnight”. A spokesman added: “Shortly after midnight it was reported that a vacant property on Newtownards Road close to the junction of North Road was on fire. Police and NIFRS attended and the fire was extinguished. Damage was caused to a ground floor room as a result of the fire. A car was heard speeding away from the scene around the time of the incident.”
The Kincora Boys' Home was opened by the local Health Board in 1958 as a residence for boys from broken homes. It was the scene of alleged serious organised child sexual abuse, causing a scandal and attempted cover-up in 1980, with allegations of state collusion. There have been calls for the building to be demolished due to its difficult history, but the council have refused permission as the large Victorian building makes a positive contribution to the Belmont Area of Townscape Character.
An Area of Townscape Character is an area that has been recognised as having distinctive character, but not sufficient to warrant Conservation Area status. However, because of their own unique identity it may be appropriate to identify and define these as Areas of Townscape or Village Character.
News Source: Belfast Live
22 December 2019 (19:03) - Fire at pub in Knaresborough after candles 'left too close to curtains'
A fire broke out at a pub in a North Yorkshire town after festive candles were "left too close" to some curtains. The incident happened at a The Mother Shipton Inn in Knaresborough. Crews were called to the scene shortly after 7pm on Sunday. North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service said: "Knaresborough and Harrogate crews responded to a fire in a pub caused by festive candles left too close to the curtains." A dry powder extinguisher was used to put out the fire.
Formerly known as The Dropping Well Inn, The Mother Shipton Inn has stood beside the Low Bridge of Knaresborough for hundreds of years, nestled amongst ancient trees and the river Nidd. This Grade II listed sixteenth century coaching Inn has survived with its full character intact, boasting warm fires, quirky rooms and eclectic furniture. One table in the Inn once belonged to Guy Fawkes when he resided at Scotton Hall in 1592.
News Source: York Press
Formerly known as The Dropping Well Inn, The Mother Shipton Inn has stood beside the Low Bridge of Knaresborough for hundreds of years, nestled amongst ancient trees and the river Nidd. This Grade II listed sixteenth century coaching Inn has survived with its full character intact, boasting warm fires, quirky rooms and eclectic furniture. One table in the Inn once belonged to Guy Fawkes when he resided at Scotton Hall in 1592.
News Source: York Press
Listing Details
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Entry Name: Mother Shipton Inn
Listing Date: 15 May 1968 Grade: II Source: Historic England Source ID: 1190809 English Heritage Legacy ID: 330838 Location: Knaresborough, Harrogate, North Yorkshire, HG5 County: North Yorkshire District: Harrogate Civil Parish: Knaresborough Built-Up Area: Knaresborough Traditional County: Yorkshire Lieutenancy Area (Ceremonial County): North Yorkshire Church of England Parish: Knaresborough Church of England Diocese: Leeds |
Coordinates
Latitude: 54.0029 / 54°0'10"N Longitude: -1.4679 / 1°28'4"W OS Eastings: 434976 OS Northings: 456454 OS Grid: SE349564 Mapcode National: GBR LQ64.0T Mapcode Global: WHD9L.FN74 |
Near Miss
22 December 2019 (11:32) - Firefighters tackling blaze at crumbling Stoke-on-Trent pottery factory
22 December 2019 (11:32) - Firefighters tackling blaze at crumbling Stoke-on-Trent pottery factory
Firefighters are tackling a blaze next to a crumbling Stoke-on-Trent pottery factory repeatedly targeted by arsonists and thieves. Crews were called to the Grade II* listed Price and Kensington Teapot Works, in Newcastle Street, Longport , at 11.32am today (December 22). A large plume of smoke could be seen billowing in the air after rubbish - including tyres and aerosols - inside a shipping container was set alight. An investigation into what sparked the blaze is due to get underway.
A Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service spokesman said: "We were called shortly after 11.30pm to a fire within a shipping container off canal street. A large amount of rubbish including tyres and aerosols have been set alight. Crews from Burslem remain at the scene."
The latest fire comes after Stoke-on-Trent City Council prosecuted the owner of the 18th century potbank after it fell into disrepair. Magistrates found Middlesex-based Charles Lewis and Co guilty of failing to comply with an improvement notice in its absence. The company was handed a £1,000 fine and was also ordered to pay a £100 victim surcharge and £530 council costs.
Historic England described the site as 'highly vulnerable’. Its listing on the at-risk register states: “This site has been subject to fires and heritage crime and is in a poor condition. It is highly vulnerable and continues to deteriorate. There has been a structural collapse to the road frontage which has been temporarily addressed. Historic England has offered technical support and advice to Stoke-on-Trent City Council. Urgent works are required to stabilise the buildings while a long-term solution is found for the site.”
Councillor Dan Jellyman, the city council's cabinet member for heritage, has welcomed the prosecution last October. He said: "The council is committed to protecting our city’s heritage and it is with deep regret that the Price Kensington site has fallen into this condition. We have been urging the owner for some time to complete works to the building but unfortunately nothing has been done, which left us in a position where we have had to take legal action as a last resort. We will continue to pursue the owner in respect of the poor condition and appearance of the building.”
News Source: Stoke on Trent Live
A Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service spokesman said: "We were called shortly after 11.30pm to a fire within a shipping container off canal street. A large amount of rubbish including tyres and aerosols have been set alight. Crews from Burslem remain at the scene."
The latest fire comes after Stoke-on-Trent City Council prosecuted the owner of the 18th century potbank after it fell into disrepair. Magistrates found Middlesex-based Charles Lewis and Co guilty of failing to comply with an improvement notice in its absence. The company was handed a £1,000 fine and was also ordered to pay a £100 victim surcharge and £530 council costs.
Historic England described the site as 'highly vulnerable’. Its listing on the at-risk register states: “This site has been subject to fires and heritage crime and is in a poor condition. It is highly vulnerable and continues to deteriorate. There has been a structural collapse to the road frontage which has been temporarily addressed. Historic England has offered technical support and advice to Stoke-on-Trent City Council. Urgent works are required to stabilise the buildings while a long-term solution is found for the site.”
Councillor Dan Jellyman, the city council's cabinet member for heritage, has welcomed the prosecution last October. He said: "The council is committed to protecting our city’s heritage and it is with deep regret that the Price Kensington site has fallen into this condition. We have been urging the owner for some time to complete works to the building but unfortunately nothing has been done, which left us in a position where we have had to take legal action as a last resort. We will continue to pursue the owner in respect of the poor condition and appearance of the building.”
News Source: Stoke on Trent Live
Listing Details
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Entry Name: Price and Kensington Teapot Works
Listing Date: 20 August 1979 Last Amended: 15 March 1993 Grade: II* Source: Historic England Source ID: 1290799 English Heritage Legacy ID: 384458 Location: Stoke-on-Trent, ST6 County: City of Stoke-on-Trent Electoral Ward/Division: Burslem Central Built-Up Area: Stoke-on-Trent Traditional County: Staffordshire Lieutenancy Area (Ceremonial County): Staffordshire Church of England Parish: Burslem St Paul Church of England Diocese: Lichfield |
Coordinates
Latitude: 53.0446 / 53°2'40"N Longitude: -2.2136 / 2°12'48"W OS Eastings: 385777 OS Northings: 349728 OS Grid: SJ857497 Mapcode National: GBR MB3.D3 Mapcode Global: WHBCL.ZQ2S |
21 December 2019 (08:53) - 71 firefighters battle huge blaze at Lostwithiel 18th Century manor
There are currently 71 firefighters battling a fire at a large manor house in Cornwall. The emergency services were first alerted to the incident just before 9am this morning at the property in Milltown, Lostwithiel. In total there are 12 fire engines at the scene with further emergency vehicles as well as police and paramedics. No one was in inside the 18 Century manor house at the time as the family who live there are away at the moment. It was a neighbour who first raised the alarm after spotting the smoke.
The incident commander, Bodmin station manager Terry Nottle, has confirmed there are 12 fire engines at the scene of the incident plus other support vehicles meaning there are 71 firefighters in total currently at the scene. There is likely to be an emergency service presence at the property until tomorrow, at which point an investigation into how the incident started will be carried out.
He said; “We were called to the property at 8.50am and a fire had established itself in the roof space. No flames were visible but there was a lot of smoke. The family who live in the property are away for Christmas so it was neighbour in the valley who spotted the smoke and raised the alarm. We got to work containing the fire in the roof but there is significant damage to the first floor of the property. It is a significant size and there are around eight bedrooms. The fire was in the east wing. We will remain here all afternoon and start to scale down this evening. One crew will remain at the scene overnight to ensure nothing develops and then investigation teams from the fire service and police will return tomorrow to establish the cause. At this stage the cause is unknown. “Paramedics have been on the scene for firefighter safety, but no one has been harmed, they will leave shortly. A team is here also from Cornwall Council emergency unit to establish the road closures around the area, but extensive disruption is being caused as it is quiet. “The property will also be assessed structurally this afternoon.”
The manor house is known as “Castle” and is Grade II listed. Castle is built on the site of the Doomsday Manor of Lantien Parva. It has been suggested that this was the site of King Mark of Cornwall’s domestic settlement, whose stronghold was nearby at Castle Dore. Castle is believed to have been the temporary home of the Austrian Count Fabrice during the First World War. During the Second World War it is believed that Rudolf Hess, Hitler’s deputy, was interrogated in the house and interned there for 6 months.
News Source: Cornwall Live
The incident commander, Bodmin station manager Terry Nottle, has confirmed there are 12 fire engines at the scene of the incident plus other support vehicles meaning there are 71 firefighters in total currently at the scene. There is likely to be an emergency service presence at the property until tomorrow, at which point an investigation into how the incident started will be carried out.
He said; “We were called to the property at 8.50am and a fire had established itself in the roof space. No flames were visible but there was a lot of smoke. The family who live in the property are away for Christmas so it was neighbour in the valley who spotted the smoke and raised the alarm. We got to work containing the fire in the roof but there is significant damage to the first floor of the property. It is a significant size and there are around eight bedrooms. The fire was in the east wing. We will remain here all afternoon and start to scale down this evening. One crew will remain at the scene overnight to ensure nothing develops and then investigation teams from the fire service and police will return tomorrow to establish the cause. At this stage the cause is unknown. “Paramedics have been on the scene for firefighter safety, but no one has been harmed, they will leave shortly. A team is here also from Cornwall Council emergency unit to establish the road closures around the area, but extensive disruption is being caused as it is quiet. “The property will also be assessed structurally this afternoon.”
The manor house is known as “Castle” and is Grade II listed. Castle is built on the site of the Doomsday Manor of Lantien Parva. It has been suggested that this was the site of King Mark of Cornwall’s domestic settlement, whose stronghold was nearby at Castle Dore. Castle is believed to have been the temporary home of the Austrian Count Fabrice during the First World War. During the Second World War it is believed that Rudolf Hess, Hitler’s deputy, was interrogated in the house and interned there for 6 months.
News Source: Cornwall Live
Listing Details
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Entry Name: Castle
Listing Date: 4 June 1979 Grade: II Source: Historic England Source ID: 1144251 English Heritage Legacy ID: 70790 Location: Lostwithiel, Cornwall, PL22 County: Cornwall Civil Parish: Lostwithiel Traditional County: Cornwall Lieutenancy Area (Ceremonial County): Cornwall Church of England Parish: Lanlivery Church of England Diocese: Truro |
Coordinates
Latitude: 50.3938 / 50°23'37"N Longitude: -4.6752 / 4°40'30"W OS Eastings: 209948 OS Northings: 58306 OS Grid: SX099583 Mapcode National: GBR N4.SJXD Mapcode Global: FRA 1830.6FL |
Near Miss
21 December 2019 (07:59) -Fire breaks out at Chester shot tower development
21 December 2019 (07:59) -Fire breaks out at Chester shot tower development
Firefighters are tackling a fire near the shot tower in Chester this Saturday morning (December 21). One nearby resident said that fire crews arrived on scene shortly after 8am, and reported seeing plumes of thick smoke. The fire appears to have broken out on the construction site of the residential development based around Chester's historic 18th century shot tower and former lead works, according to eye-witnesses.
The fire was located on the first floor of a new building under construction at Shot Tower Close with crews attacking the flames using a hose reel and a main jet. Five fire engines attended - one from Powey Lane, one from Tarporley, one from Chester and two from Ellesmere Port Once extinguished, crews searched the rest of the building and found no further fires. Firefighters continued to monitor the area on the ground floor using the thermal imaging camera.
The residential development comprises 54 one and two-bedroom apartments, 15 two and three-bedroom duplex apartments and three four-bedroom townhouses. Cheshire Constabulary confirmed they were not in attendance at the incident.
Built by Walkers, Parker & Co. in 1799, the Grade II* listed tower, is one of the oldest of just three remaining shot towers in the UK. It stands at an imposing height of 41.2m and 9.1 m in diameter. It was built primarily to provide lead shot for the Napoleonic wars.
News Source: Cheshire Live
The fire was located on the first floor of a new building under construction at Shot Tower Close with crews attacking the flames using a hose reel and a main jet. Five fire engines attended - one from Powey Lane, one from Tarporley, one from Chester and two from Ellesmere Port Once extinguished, crews searched the rest of the building and found no further fires. Firefighters continued to monitor the area on the ground floor using the thermal imaging camera.
The residential development comprises 54 one and two-bedroom apartments, 15 two and three-bedroom duplex apartments and three four-bedroom townhouses. Cheshire Constabulary confirmed they were not in attendance at the incident.
Built by Walkers, Parker & Co. in 1799, the Grade II* listed tower, is one of the oldest of just three remaining shot towers in the UK. It stands at an imposing height of 41.2m and 9.1 m in diameter. It was built primarily to provide lead shot for the Napoleonic wars.
News Source: Cheshire Live
Listing Details
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Entry Name: Chester Leadworks and Shot Tower
Listing Date: 12 October 1981 Grade: II* Source: Historic England Source ID: 1375860 English Heritage Legacy ID: 469839 Location: Cheshire West and Chester, CH1 County: Cheshire West and Chester Electoral Ward/Division: Boughton Built-Up Area: Chester Traditional County: Cheshire Lieutenancy Area (Ceremonial County): Cheshire Church of England Parish: Chester St John the Baptist Church of England Diocese: Chester |
Coordinates
Latitude: 53.1942 / 53°11'39"N Longitude: -2.878 / 2°52'40"W OS Eastings: 341436 OS Northings: 366704 OS Grid: SJ414667 Mapcode National: GBR 7B.2WYP Mapcode Global: WH887.RZP4 |
20 December 2019 (09:00*) - Christmas services moved after fire leaves church out of action
Christmas services at a Worcestershire church have been moved following a fire which left the lights out and heating off. St Bartholomew’s Church in Bayton near Cleobury Mortimer suffered damage after a small electrical fire.
Both the Christmas Family Service on Christmas Eve at 6 p.m. and the All Together Holy Communion service on Sunday 29th December at 10 a.m will now take place at St John the Baptist Church in Mamble. The Revd Sallie Butcher said: “Sadly, until we can get the lighting and heating fixed, the church is dangerous to use so we have reluctantly had to move the two services that were due to take place there over the next few days. We are hopeful that the repairs can be completed and the electricity restored so that Bayton Church can be open again around mid-January.”
St Bartholomew‘s is Grade II* listed and dates from the mid 12th Century, but was heavily “restored” in 1818 and again in 1905.
News Source: Worcester News
Both the Christmas Family Service on Christmas Eve at 6 p.m. and the All Together Holy Communion service on Sunday 29th December at 10 a.m will now take place at St John the Baptist Church in Mamble. The Revd Sallie Butcher said: “Sadly, until we can get the lighting and heating fixed, the church is dangerous to use so we have reluctantly had to move the two services that were due to take place there over the next few days. We are hopeful that the repairs can be completed and the electricity restored so that Bayton Church can be open again around mid-January.”
St Bartholomew‘s is Grade II* listed and dates from the mid 12th Century, but was heavily “restored” in 1818 and again in 1905.
News Source: Worcester News
Listing Details
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Entry Name: Church of St Bartholomew
Listing Date: 18 April 1966 Grade: II* Source: Historic England Source ID: 1081471 English Heritage Legacy ID: 149200 Location: Bayton, Malvern Hills, Worcestershire, DY14 County: Worcestershire District: Malvern Hills Civil Parish: Bayton Traditional County: Worcestershire Lieutenancy Area (Ceremonial County): Worcestershire Church of England Parish: Mamble with Bayton Church of England Diocese: Worcester |
Coordinates
Latitude: 52.3562 / 52°21'22"N Longitude: -2.4548 / 2°27'17"W OS Eastings: 369123 OS Northings: 273223 OS Grid: SO691732 Mapcode National: GBR BX.SQCH Mapcode Global: VH84G.D1MK |
19 December 2019 (17:50) - Blaze at former leisure centre on edge of Norwich
Firefighters spent more than two hours tackling a blaze at a former leisure centre on the edge of Norwich this evening. At around 5.50pm, firefighters were called to the former Oasis Sports and Leisure Centre in Thorpe St Andrew to reports of a fire inside the building. Four crews from Sprowston, Carrow, Earlham and Wroxham attended the blaze, which was to the rear of the former leisure facility, which is due to be demolished to make way for a new care facility in due course, despite the fact that it is a Georgian building. The original home dates back to 1797 and remained in private hands until the 1970s.
Firefighters spent around two hours fighting the blaze, which required fans to be used to clear the smoke. A neighbour to the former leisure centre said: "The firefighters did a very professional job and reassured us that we were not in any danger. It seemed to be quite a small fire but there was quite a strong smell of smoke. There was not too much commotion there." Another said that the building was a fairly regular victim of break-ins and vandalism, but that the area was also often used for police dog training exercises.
A spokesman for Norfolk Fire and Rescue Service said the last crew on the scene left at around 8.36pm and that there were no people in the building when firefighters arrived.
News Source: EDP24
Firefighters spent around two hours fighting the blaze, which required fans to be used to clear the smoke. A neighbour to the former leisure centre said: "The firefighters did a very professional job and reassured us that we were not in any danger. It seemed to be quite a small fire but there was quite a strong smell of smoke. There was not too much commotion there." Another said that the building was a fairly regular victim of break-ins and vandalism, but that the area was also often used for police dog training exercises.
A spokesman for Norfolk Fire and Rescue Service said the last crew on the scene left at around 8.36pm and that there were no people in the building when firefighters arrived.
News Source: EDP24
18 December 2019 (03:40) - Fire crews battle blaze at pub and carvery in Charnock Richard
A popular pub and carvery has caught fire in the early hours of the morning (December 18). Fire crews from Leyland, Preston, Chorley, Skelmersdale and Greater Manchester were mobilised after a fire broke out at the Bowling Green pub in Preston Road, Charnock Richard at 3.40am.
A total of six engines and the Aerial Ladder Platform from Hyndburn are continuing to fight the fire at 7.30am. Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service said the fire began on the ground floor of the pub, which is owned by Joseph Holt brewery. A spokesman said: "Four firefighters wore breathing apparatus and used two hose reels and a triple extension ladder to bring the fire under control alongside the Aerial Ladder Platform. There were no casualties reported. Firefighters are still in attendance using a thermal imaging camera to monitor the scene and check for any signs of fire spread. An investigation into the fire will be carried out as soon as possible.”
The Bowling Green Inn is 500 years old and is located in the area that was formerly the centre of village life, Charnock Green.The Inn was originally a Coaching Inn and there was also a Blacksmith's outside where people used to change horses. It is half way between Preston and Wigan and one of the oldest Inns in Lancashire.
News Source: Lancashire Post
A total of six engines and the Aerial Ladder Platform from Hyndburn are continuing to fight the fire at 7.30am. Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service said the fire began on the ground floor of the pub, which is owned by Joseph Holt brewery. A spokesman said: "Four firefighters wore breathing apparatus and used two hose reels and a triple extension ladder to bring the fire under control alongside the Aerial Ladder Platform. There were no casualties reported. Firefighters are still in attendance using a thermal imaging camera to monitor the scene and check for any signs of fire spread. An investigation into the fire will be carried out as soon as possible.”
The Bowling Green Inn is 500 years old and is located in the area that was formerly the centre of village life, Charnock Green.The Inn was originally a Coaching Inn and there was also a Blacksmith's outside where people used to change horses. It is half way between Preston and Wigan and one of the oldest Inns in Lancashire.
News Source: Lancashire Post
The Bowling Green pub in Preston Road, Charnock Richard, near Chorley, caught fire at 3.40am
18 December 2019 (02:02) - Honley Co-op destroyed by fire in failed ram-raid
There is a police scene in the centre of Honley this morning after a devastating fire at the Co-op shop. Firefighters were called at around 2am to reports of a building fire on Westgate. They found the Co-op shop had been gutted by fire. At its height, eight pumps were required to battle the blaze, which will is likely to force the shop to close, "for a long time," according to one firefighter. A police car is currently blocking the entrance to Westgate from the Huddersfield Road and New Mill Road junction to the east of the village. Both the fire service and West Yorkshire Police have confirmed there were no injuries as a result of the fire last night.
Firefighters say 100% of the Co-op shop has been burned in the fire. Three pumps were initially called to the Westgate shop at 2.02am. This was quickly escalated to five and then eight when the seriousness of the fire was realised. Crew Commander Jason Rhodes from Huddersfield Fire Station said: “The building damage is very significant. Most of the building has been involved in fire. It was a three pump job initially but we found the fire had spread to the offices above the shop. When it spread it caught in the gap between the floors. It will be a long time before it is up and running again, especially with it being just before Christmas.” Fire investigators are currently on the scene to determine the cause of the fire. Most spent around three hours on the scene, leaving at 5.30am. One is still on the scene this morning.
It appears as though the fire may have been inadvertently started in a failed ram raid attempt on the Co-op cash machine. Police and fire investigators are still working on the scene but the belief is that an Audi Q7 was used to ram the ATM at around 2am this morning and this is what sparked the fire that destroyed the shop. The suspects then fled the scene empty handed. Police have located the abandoned Audi Q7 used in the ram raid on Bradshaw Road nearby.
A nearby shop owner said: “I got a call at 4am saying there has been an explosion and the Co-op is on fire and I need to check my shop. When I heard I thought, ‘oh my god’, what about flooding in my basement. But thankfully there is no damage.” He said the Co-op building is in a terrible state. “It’s like a bomb had gone off.”
The Co op shop was purpose built in 1867 on Westgate by Members and has been occupied by the business ever since. It lies within the Honley Conservation Area.
News Source: Examiner Live
Firefighters say 100% of the Co-op shop has been burned in the fire. Three pumps were initially called to the Westgate shop at 2.02am. This was quickly escalated to five and then eight when the seriousness of the fire was realised. Crew Commander Jason Rhodes from Huddersfield Fire Station said: “The building damage is very significant. Most of the building has been involved in fire. It was a three pump job initially but we found the fire had spread to the offices above the shop. When it spread it caught in the gap between the floors. It will be a long time before it is up and running again, especially with it being just before Christmas.” Fire investigators are currently on the scene to determine the cause of the fire. Most spent around three hours on the scene, leaving at 5.30am. One is still on the scene this morning.
It appears as though the fire may have been inadvertently started in a failed ram raid attempt on the Co-op cash machine. Police and fire investigators are still working on the scene but the belief is that an Audi Q7 was used to ram the ATM at around 2am this morning and this is what sparked the fire that destroyed the shop. The suspects then fled the scene empty handed. Police have located the abandoned Audi Q7 used in the ram raid on Bradshaw Road nearby.
A nearby shop owner said: “I got a call at 4am saying there has been an explosion and the Co-op is on fire and I need to check my shop. When I heard I thought, ‘oh my god’, what about flooding in my basement. But thankfully there is no damage.” He said the Co-op building is in a terrible state. “It’s like a bomb had gone off.”
The Co op shop was purpose built in 1867 on Westgate by Members and has been occupied by the business ever since. It lies within the Honley Conservation Area.
News Source: Examiner Live
Fire investigators at Honley Co-op
17 December 2019 (11:55) - King's Arms pub in Wheatley on fire, Oxford
The ground floor of a village pub in Wheatley is on fire, with six fire engines at the scene. Surrounded by thick smoke, fire fighters can be seen outside of the King's Arms pub on Church Road.
A spokesperson for Hawthorn Leisure, the company that operates the pub, said: "We’d like to thank the fire service for their swift response to the fire at the Kings Arms. Fortunately all staff are safe, and as the fire started before the pub had opened, no customers were affected. We are working with the fire service to identify the cause of the fire.”
Emergency services from Wheatley, Rewley Road, Slade and Thame arrived at the pub after an emergency call to Oxfordshire County Council Fire and Rescue Service at 11:55am today. A rescue tender and a hydraulic platform also arrived from Kidlington.
The pub is Grade II listed and was built in 1756 (datestone) with later additions. Inside, there are remains of 18th century plasterwork.
News Source: Oxford Mail
A spokesperson for Hawthorn Leisure, the company that operates the pub, said: "We’d like to thank the fire service for their swift response to the fire at the Kings Arms. Fortunately all staff are safe, and as the fire started before the pub had opened, no customers were affected. We are working with the fire service to identify the cause of the fire.”
Emergency services from Wheatley, Rewley Road, Slade and Thame arrived at the pub after an emergency call to Oxfordshire County Council Fire and Rescue Service at 11:55am today. A rescue tender and a hydraulic platform also arrived from Kidlington.
The pub is Grade II listed and was built in 1756 (datestone) with later additions. Inside, there are remains of 18th century plasterwork.
News Source: Oxford Mail
Village pub on fire
Listing Details
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Entry Name: The Kings Arms Public House
Listing Date: 18 July 1963 Grade: II Source: Historic England Source ID: 1047480 English Heritage Legacy ID: 246961 Location: Wheatley, South Oxfordshire, Oxfordshire, OX33 County: Oxfordshire District: South Oxfordshire Civil Parish: Wheatley Built-Up Area: Wheatley Traditional County: Oxfordshire Lieutenancy Area (Ceremonial County): Oxfordshire Church of England Parish: Wheatley Church of England Diocese: Oxford |
Coordinates
Latitude: 51.7471 / 51°44'49"N Longitude: -1.1314 / 1°7'53"W OS Eastings: 460059 OS Northings: 205735 OS Grid: SP600057 Mapcode National: GBR 8Z9.GR6 Mapcode Global: VHCXX.BCQ0 |
16 December 2019 (09:20) - Fire breaks out at Nuneaton town hall
Plumes of smoke have been seen coming from Nuneaton's Town Hall this morning. Firefighters are at the historic town centre building - which is the home of the borough council. Pictures on social media show smoke rising from the building in Coton Road, near the Ropewalk shopping centre. Firefighters are using the aerial platform to deal with the incident from the roof of the iconic building. At its height there were 30 fire personnel fighting the flames. It is also only the second time the new aerial platform has been used. Council staff were evacuated at around 9.20am this morning. A lot of them have gone to take shelter at the nearby museum.There are still faint plumes of smoke coming from the roof at the back of the Town Hall.
Area command officer for the fire service, Jon Dixon, said six fire engines had ultimately been called to the Town Hall this morning. He said the crews had “tackled it quickly to stop it spreading” and that luckily no-one had been injured. “We are unclear of the extent of the damage but it is not believed to be extensive. A fire investigator has started an investigation but it is too early to say what caused the fire.”
The Town Hall was formerly known as the Council House. Building commenced in 1932, and it opened in 1934. It lies within the Nuneaton Town Centre Conservation Area.
News Source: Leicestershire Live
Area command officer for the fire service, Jon Dixon, said six fire engines had ultimately been called to the Town Hall this morning. He said the crews had “tackled it quickly to stop it spreading” and that luckily no-one had been injured. “We are unclear of the extent of the damage but it is not believed to be extensive. A fire investigator has started an investigation but it is too early to say what caused the fire.”
The Town Hall was formerly known as the Council House. Building commenced in 1932, and it opened in 1934. It lies within the Nuneaton Town Centre Conservation Area.
News Source: Leicestershire Live
Fire crews at Nuneaton town hall
15 December 2019 (01:52) - Fire from restaurant near Sauchiehall Street spreads to residential building
A total of 10 fire appliances tackled a Glasgow city centre fire in the early hours of the morning on December 15. Fire crews descended onto Pitt Street at the junction with Sauchiehall Street after receiving reports of the fire at 1.52am. The cause of the fire is not yet known, but the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service reports the fire broke out in a commercial business within the building. Three restaurants are located on the premises - Krave, Alla Italia and Cafe Antipasti.
According to fire services, the fire spread into the four-storey residential building above the premises. Smoke could be seen billowing out of the first floor window above Krave. There are no reported casualties but police and ambulance crews were also in attendance. At the height of the incident, 10 fire appliances were in attendance as firefighters worked to search and clear the building.
At 6am on Sunday morning, 4 hours after the initial report, fire officers announced the fire was extinguished but work continued to ensure the area is safe. Area Commander Garry MacKay said: “It was a very challenging incident and crews worked incredibly hard to extinguish the fire and ensure all properties were searched and cleared. Firefighters are now aggressively cutting away parts of the building to ensure there is no hidden fire spread. We will remain at the scene.” AC MacKay added: “I would like to thank our police and ambulance service partners who provided support throughout this incident.”
The incident took place just metres away from the O2 ABC which was destroyed in the Glasgow School of Art fire in June of last year. A police spokeswoman said: "We were called at 2am to assist our colleagues in the fire service." The building is Category B listed, built about 1845, and lies within the Glasgow Central Conservation Area.
News Source: Glasgow Times
According to fire services, the fire spread into the four-storey residential building above the premises. Smoke could be seen billowing out of the first floor window above Krave. There are no reported casualties but police and ambulance crews were also in attendance. At the height of the incident, 10 fire appliances were in attendance as firefighters worked to search and clear the building.
At 6am on Sunday morning, 4 hours after the initial report, fire officers announced the fire was extinguished but work continued to ensure the area is safe. Area Commander Garry MacKay said: “It was a very challenging incident and crews worked incredibly hard to extinguish the fire and ensure all properties were searched and cleared. Firefighters are now aggressively cutting away parts of the building to ensure there is no hidden fire spread. We will remain at the scene.” AC MacKay added: “I would like to thank our police and ambulance service partners who provided support throughout this incident.”
The incident took place just metres away from the O2 ABC which was destroyed in the Glasgow School of Art fire in June of last year. A police spokeswoman said: "We were called at 2am to assist our colleagues in the fire service." The building is Category B listed, built about 1845, and lies within the Glasgow Central Conservation Area.
News Source: Glasgow Times
Fire crews on Glasgow’s Pitt Street
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Listing Details
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Entry Name: 269-305 (Odd Nos) Sauchiehall Street, 123-127 (Odd Nos) Douglas Street, 192-200 (Even Nos) Pitt Street, Osborne Buildings
Listing Date: 21 July 1988 Category: B Source: Historic Scotland Source ID: 376715 Historic Scotland Designation Reference: LB33176 Building Class: Cultural Location: Glasgow County: Glasgow Town: Glasgow Electoral Ward: Anderston/City/Yorkhill Traditional County: Lanarkshire |
Coordinates
Latitude: 55.8651 / 55°51'54"N Longitude: -4.2636 / 4°15'49"W OS Eastings: 258438 OS Northings: 665866 OS Grid: NS584658 Mapcode National: GBR 0JK.S8 Mapcode Global: WH3P2.GVX3 |
14 December 2019 (21:00*) - Fire at Cartwright Hotel in Manningham
Guests were evacuated from a Bradford hotel after a fire late last night. The blaze at the Cartwright Hotel in Manningham, filled the sky with black clouds of smoke, and was first reported to emergency services shortly after 9pm by a neighbour. Hotel guests were evacuated to Lister Park for more than three hours while firefighters attempted to put out the fire. Reports from eye-witnesses suggest the owner is in hospital with burns injuries. West Yorkshire Police have said a male and a female were sent to hospital with burns injuries. The hotel is closed until further notice.
One neighbour, who dialled 999, recalls running over to his balcony after being alarmed by the sounds of "people shouting". Fire crews reportedly arrived at around 9.10pm with one witness seeing "loads of police and about four fire engines". The scene is currently cordoned off by police with officers continuing to guard the scene.
A guest caught up in a hotel fire has told of the moment the alarm echoed down the corridor and people started to frantically "knock" on their door. Sona Csokova and Roman Pokorny, who were staying at Cartwright Hotel as they searched for somewhere to rent, rushed down to the first floor. They recall the chaos as a woman suffered a panic attack and watched as the owner opened a door to what they describe as a "fire ball", causing burns to his face and neck. Roman, who was only three metres away from the door, felt some of his hair burn off and remembers feeling the heat from the flames. The pair, who said they felt "shock", managed to get outside when they saw the windows shatter from the heat. Explaining her emotions at the time, Sona told the Telegraph and Argus: "Shock, in very big shock. We've only t-shirts, no jacket. Three hours outside."
All the guests took refuge in Lister Park after they were evacuated. The Park Hotel, just a few doors down, offered cups of tea and coffee as well as free rooms for those caught up in the incident. Jaran Mahmood, landlord of The Park Hotel and the owner's son, was one of those providing comfort for the other hotel's guests. Jaran said: "I said, 'Don't worry, we'll give you a room for free' and helped them (all the guests), gave them tea or coffee. They were a bit stressed out. They were panicking. They didn't know what to do."
The cause of the blaze is currently unknown but an investigation by fire services is underway.
Built in 1885, this royal-style venue, remodelled as The Cartwright Hotel, is situated at the gates to the award winning Lister Park in the heart of Bradford.
News Source: The Telegraph and Argus
One neighbour, who dialled 999, recalls running over to his balcony after being alarmed by the sounds of "people shouting". Fire crews reportedly arrived at around 9.10pm with one witness seeing "loads of police and about four fire engines". The scene is currently cordoned off by police with officers continuing to guard the scene.
A guest caught up in a hotel fire has told of the moment the alarm echoed down the corridor and people started to frantically "knock" on their door. Sona Csokova and Roman Pokorny, who were staying at Cartwright Hotel as they searched for somewhere to rent, rushed down to the first floor. They recall the chaos as a woman suffered a panic attack and watched as the owner opened a door to what they describe as a "fire ball", causing burns to his face and neck. Roman, who was only three metres away from the door, felt some of his hair burn off and remembers feeling the heat from the flames. The pair, who said they felt "shock", managed to get outside when they saw the windows shatter from the heat. Explaining her emotions at the time, Sona told the Telegraph and Argus: "Shock, in very big shock. We've only t-shirts, no jacket. Three hours outside."
All the guests took refuge in Lister Park after they were evacuated. The Park Hotel, just a few doors down, offered cups of tea and coffee as well as free rooms for those caught up in the incident. Jaran Mahmood, landlord of The Park Hotel and the owner's son, was one of those providing comfort for the other hotel's guests. Jaran said: "I said, 'Don't worry, we'll give you a room for free' and helped them (all the guests), gave them tea or coffee. They were a bit stressed out. They were panicking. They didn't know what to do."
The cause of the blaze is currently unknown but an investigation by fire services is underway.
Built in 1885, this royal-style venue, remodelled as The Cartwright Hotel, is situated at the gates to the award winning Lister Park in the heart of Bradford.
News Source: The Telegraph and Argus
