73 Fires & 20 Near Misses in
Heritage Buildings Recorded on the 2019 Database in July & August.
(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 in July & August.
(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
hOME / About / Places of Worship / Heritage Buildings / Domestic listed properties / Country estates / grant /CONTACT US / Fires
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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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August - 37 Fires & 4 Near Misses
29 August 2019 (16:30*) - Liverpool city centre building fire leads to major emergency response
There is a large emergency service presence in Liverpool city centre after reports of a fire at an office block. Chapel Street, in the business district, was closed by the fire service shortly after 4pm as smoke could be seen coming from Yorkshire House. A cordon was put in place as crews worked around the building after an evacuation a short time ago. There are currently four fire engines at the scene, with more on the way and community police officers are also helping to maintain the cordon
A large crowd has gathered to watch the fire service operation. Smoke appeared to be coming from a vent underneath Yorkshire House. Workers from the office building watch on as fire crews are at work. Diners leaving the Marco Pierre White restaurant at next-door Hotel Indigo were also gathering to see what was going on. Merseyside Police. have confirmed that the fire began in the underground car park. Officers were called to assist with Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service at 4.40pm. A spokeswoman said the fire appears to be under control.
Landmark building, Yorkshire House was built in 1926 to form the prestigious Liverpool headquarters of the Yorkshire Building Society
News Source: Liverpool Echo
A large crowd has gathered to watch the fire service operation. Smoke appeared to be coming from a vent underneath Yorkshire House. Workers from the office building watch on as fire crews are at work. Diners leaving the Marco Pierre White restaurant at next-door Hotel Indigo were also gathering to see what was going on. Merseyside Police. have confirmed that the fire began in the underground car park. Officers were called to assist with Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service at 4.40pm. A spokeswoman said the fire appears to be under control.
Landmark building, Yorkshire House was built in 1926 to form the prestigious Liverpool headquarters of the Yorkshire Building Society
News Source: Liverpool Echo
29 August 2019 (10:56) - Popular Stourbridge chip shop forced to close after fire
A popular Stourbridge fish and chip shop has been forced to close for a few days after a fire ripped through the shop. Firefighters were called to Ocean Boat in Camp Hill, Wordsley, at 10.56am yesterday (Friday, August 29). A total of 13 firefighters from Brierley Hill and Stourbridge used carbon dioxide extinguishers to tackle the blaze, which involved the extraction system from a deep fat fryer. Crews remained at the scene for several hours after receiving the 999 call, dampening down to ensure the fire was completely out.
The popular chippy ranks up an impressive four stars on Tripadvisor with punters raving about the quality of food and great service. However, the fire will come as a blow to loyal customers as the business has been forced to close its doors for several days. A spokesman for West Midlands Fire Service said the cause was accidental and is not believed to be suspicious. The team from Brierley Hill took to Twitter to share a photograph from the scene with their followers. An accompanying post said: "Our crews have worked with @Stourbridgefire this morning in extinguishing a fire at a chip shop in Wordsley. Fast response and actions limited damage to the property but the shop will be closed for a number of days."
The building was formerly an Inn, built in the late 18th/early 19th century.
News Source: Birmingham Live
The popular chippy ranks up an impressive four stars on Tripadvisor with punters raving about the quality of food and great service. However, the fire will come as a blow to loyal customers as the business has been forced to close its doors for several days. A spokesman for West Midlands Fire Service said the cause was accidental and is not believed to be suspicious. The team from Brierley Hill took to Twitter to share a photograph from the scene with their followers. An accompanying post said: "Our crews have worked with @Stourbridgefire this morning in extinguishing a fire at a chip shop in Wordsley. Fast response and actions limited damage to the property but the shop will be closed for a number of days."
The building was formerly an Inn, built in the late 18th/early 19th century.
News Source: Birmingham Live
Ocean Boat chip shop on camp hill in Wordsley (Image: Google Street View)
Building History
(Researched by Heritage & Ecclesiastical Fire Protection)
The building existed prior to 1822, when it changed its name from Old Jacob’s Well to the Duke of Wellington. The licensee at that time was John Mullett. In 1832 it became the Spotted Leopard and the licensee between 1838 and 1858 was Richard Mills, grandfather of Gerald Rusgrove Mills, the founder of Mills and Boon publishers. It became the Vine in 1864 and the Vine Hotel / Vine Inn a year later.
A Sale by auction 24th September 1915 said “it has a small brewery, recently dismantled, a 15 quarter malthouse” and stabling for six horses” It has a bar, tap room, billiard room, smoke room and private room.” - It was withdrawn at £1,350.
The pub closed in 2008, but reopened on 12th August 2008 as Mad O’Rourke’s Pie and Grill Factory, after a £500,000 refit. It was renamed Vine in July 2010, after the Mad O’Rourke’s chain had financial problems, but closed a month later on 25th August 2010. It was converted into a fish and chip restaurant, which opened in July 2012 as the Ocean Basket, later the Ocean Boat.
(Researched by Heritage & Ecclesiastical Fire Protection)
The building existed prior to 1822, when it changed its name from Old Jacob’s Well to the Duke of Wellington. The licensee at that time was John Mullett. In 1832 it became the Spotted Leopard and the licensee between 1838 and 1858 was Richard Mills, grandfather of Gerald Rusgrove Mills, the founder of Mills and Boon publishers. It became the Vine in 1864 and the Vine Hotel / Vine Inn a year later.
A Sale by auction 24th September 1915 said “it has a small brewery, recently dismantled, a 15 quarter malthouse” and stabling for six horses” It has a bar, tap room, billiard room, smoke room and private room.” - It was withdrawn at £1,350.
The pub closed in 2008, but reopened on 12th August 2008 as Mad O’Rourke’s Pie and Grill Factory, after a £500,000 refit. It was renamed Vine in July 2010, after the Mad O’Rourke’s chain had financial problems, but closed a month later on 25th August 2010. It was converted into a fish and chip restaurant, which opened in July 2012 as the Ocean Basket, later the Ocean Boat.
28 August 2019 (01:45) - Huge fire tears through historic Horncliffe Mansion near Rawtenstall
Residents have spoken of their shock after a historic mansion was gutted in a huge early morning fire. Flames engulfed the Grade II listed Horncliffe mansion in Bury Road, near Rawtentall, at around 1.45am today. Firefighters have tackled the fire at the Victorian building throughout the day.
A spokesman for the fire service said: “The fire started at 1.45am. Six fire engines were called, including units from Lancashire and Greater Manchester as it is on the border, as well as the aerial ladder platform (ALP). When they arrived the building was well alight. There were concerns that there could potentially be people in the building but we don’t believe that’s true. The fire had to be sectorised so it could be tackled from all sides.” The fire has led to the closure of Bury Road from the Whitchaff pub to the junction of Crow Wood Road at Edenfield. A number of bus services have also had to be redirected due to the incident. The cause of the fire is currently unknown and an investigation will take place.
Residents described the fire at the mansion as a 'tragedy and real shame'. One Edenfield resident said: "The fire happened in the middle of the night and I saw smoke from across the valley. It's a tragedy what has happened to such a historic building. Nothing has been done with it for so long and just when it looked like it might be sold, this has happened. It's a real shame." Another resident added: "It's awful what has happened. The building used to be a care home for a long time. It's been vandalised a lot since then and it's really shocking to see what's happened now."
Originally built in 1869 by famous mill owner Henry Hoyle Hardman, the iconic building was previously home to a hotel, wedding venue and care home. There are more than 20 rooms and more than three and a half acres of land. However, the house had been vacant since 2009, after which it fell into an extensive state of disrepair. It was the subject of paranormal investigators and “urban explorers” who nicknamed the property Jag Mansion due to a large number of vintage Jaguar cars found in the grounds.
The building has been "completely gutted" and the fire is being treated as suspicious. A spokeswoman for the Victorian Society said the building had been nominated to be featured in the group's Top 10 Endangered Buildings campaign. She added: "But of course now it is too late as the interior looks as though it has been completely gutted and the historic fabric has been ravaged." The charity is expected to release the top 10 list in two weeks' time to highlight the most at-risk buildings in the country in the hope they can be saved. The spokeswoman continued: "We need only look at the loss of the Fison's fertiliser Factory in Suffolk back in May to realise how serious an issue this is, and how under threat our derelict historic buildings are."
News Source: Lancashire Telegraph
A spokesman for the fire service said: “The fire started at 1.45am. Six fire engines were called, including units from Lancashire and Greater Manchester as it is on the border, as well as the aerial ladder platform (ALP). When they arrived the building was well alight. There were concerns that there could potentially be people in the building but we don’t believe that’s true. The fire had to be sectorised so it could be tackled from all sides.” The fire has led to the closure of Bury Road from the Whitchaff pub to the junction of Crow Wood Road at Edenfield. A number of bus services have also had to be redirected due to the incident. The cause of the fire is currently unknown and an investigation will take place.
Residents described the fire at the mansion as a 'tragedy and real shame'. One Edenfield resident said: "The fire happened in the middle of the night and I saw smoke from across the valley. It's a tragedy what has happened to such a historic building. Nothing has been done with it for so long and just when it looked like it might be sold, this has happened. It's a real shame." Another resident added: "It's awful what has happened. The building used to be a care home for a long time. It's been vandalised a lot since then and it's really shocking to see what's happened now."
Originally built in 1869 by famous mill owner Henry Hoyle Hardman, the iconic building was previously home to a hotel, wedding venue and care home. There are more than 20 rooms and more than three and a half acres of land. However, the house had been vacant since 2009, after which it fell into an extensive state of disrepair. It was the subject of paranormal investigators and “urban explorers” who nicknamed the property Jag Mansion due to a large number of vintage Jaguar cars found in the grounds.
The building has been "completely gutted" and the fire is being treated as suspicious. A spokeswoman for the Victorian Society said the building had been nominated to be featured in the group's Top 10 Endangered Buildings campaign. She added: "But of course now it is too late as the interior looks as though it has been completely gutted and the historic fabric has been ravaged." The charity is expected to release the top 10 list in two weeks' time to highlight the most at-risk buildings in the country in the hope they can be saved. The spokeswoman continued: "We need only look at the loss of the Fison's fertiliser Factory in Suffolk back in May to realise how serious an issue this is, and how under threat our derelict historic buildings are."
News Source: Lancashire Telegraph
The building has been "completely gutted"
Listing Details
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Mapcode National: GBR DTCV.6L
Mapcode Global: WH97B.LPJN Entry Name: Horncliffe House Listing Date: 30 November 1984 Grade: II Source: Historic England Source ID: 1318001 English Heritage Legacy ID: 185750 Location: Rossendale, Lancashire, BB4 County: Lancashire Electoral Ward/Division: Longholme |
Coordinates
Latitude: 53.6827 / 53°40'57"N Longitude: -2.3031 / 2°18'11"W OS Eastings: 380080 OS Northings: 420731 OS Grid: SD800207 |
25 August 2019 (19:57) - Disused building goes up in flames and four crews race to the scene
Fire crews have rushed to the scene of a blaze in Glasgow's Southside. Four engines are currently battling flames on Scotland Street near to the M8. They rushed into action after being called out this evening. Thick black smoke can be seen rising out the top of a disused building in the area.
Eyewitnesses reported seeing the fire near to Shields Road subway station. It's unclear if anyone has been injured. A Scottish Fire and Rescue Service spokeswoman confirmed they were in attendance. She added: "We currently have four appliances on the scene. We were called out at 7.57pm tonight. Crews are the scene of a disused building".
Niall Murphy, a witness to the incident said on Twitter, “The [Category] B listed Howden’s factory buildings on Scotland Street look to be well ablaze alas...The warehouse on fire is right next door to #Mackintosh’s Scotland Street. Fire tenders were just arriving when we were passing...”
News Source: The Scottish Sun
Eyewitnesses reported seeing the fire near to Shields Road subway station. It's unclear if anyone has been injured. A Scottish Fire and Rescue Service spokeswoman confirmed they were in attendance. She added: "We currently have four appliances on the scene. We were called out at 7.57pm tonight. Crews are the scene of a disused building".
Niall Murphy, a witness to the incident said on Twitter, “The [Category] B listed Howden’s factory buildings on Scotland Street look to be well ablaze alas...The warehouse on fire is right next door to #Mackintosh’s Scotland Street. Fire tenders were just arriving when we were passing...”
News Source: The Scottish Sun
Huge amounts of smoke can be seen (Credit: Niall Murphy)
Listing Details
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Entry Name: 191,193,195,197,199 Scotland Street, Former Howden's Works
Listing Date: 17 June 1986 Category: B Source: Historic Scotland Source ID: 377279 Historic Scotland Designation Reference: LB33533 Building Class: Cultural Location: Glasgow County: Glasgow Town: Glasgow Electoral Ward: Govan Traditional County: Renfrewshire |
Coordinates
Latitude: 55.8492 / 55°50'57"N Longitude: -4.2725 / 4°16'21"W OS Eastings: 257822 OS Northings: 664116 OS Grid: NS578641 Mapcode National: GBR 0GQ.ZY Mapcode Global: WH3P8.B7PR |
Building History
(Researched by Heritage & Ecclesiastical Fire Protection)
Howdens building on Scotland Street was built in 1897 to accommodate James Howden and Co. Engineers. Nisbet Sinclaire was the engineer on the build alongside Bryden and Dykes and Robertson as architects. Originally the building consisted of a single storey, two storey attic, mansard roofed with steel frame appeared later. After 1918 the site expanded further. Howdens is one of the last remaining examples of Victorian engineering work in Scotland. The machine that was used to dig out the Channel Tunnel was born here – in the “red-brick” complex.
The company began in 1856 when James Howden set up his own business as a consulting engineer and a registered patent for machine tools where he began experimenting with axial flow fans to force air into the marine engines. Marine parts such as fans, blowers, compressors, turbines and many more was built here. From the early part of 1940, The Howden Factories were used to build Sunderland flying boat hulls. When the war broke out, Scotland Street employed more than 1700 workers. The complex closed in 1988.
(Researched by Heritage & Ecclesiastical Fire Protection)
Howdens building on Scotland Street was built in 1897 to accommodate James Howden and Co. Engineers. Nisbet Sinclaire was the engineer on the build alongside Bryden and Dykes and Robertson as architects. Originally the building consisted of a single storey, two storey attic, mansard roofed with steel frame appeared later. After 1918 the site expanded further. Howdens is one of the last remaining examples of Victorian engineering work in Scotland. The machine that was used to dig out the Channel Tunnel was born here – in the “red-brick” complex.
The company began in 1856 when James Howden set up his own business as a consulting engineer and a registered patent for machine tools where he began experimenting with axial flow fans to force air into the marine engines. Marine parts such as fans, blowers, compressors, turbines and many more was built here. From the early part of 1940, The Howden Factories were used to build Sunderland flying boat hulls. When the war broke out, Scotland Street employed more than 1700 workers. The complex closed in 1988.
23 August 2019 (18:11) - Former Hotel California in Birkenhead engulfed in flames
Firefighters are battling two large blazes which have engulfed two large buildings less than a mile apart in Birkenhead . The fires took hold at the site of a former barber's shop on Borough Road, next to the old Central Hotel building, and in the former Hotel California and Revolver pub on New Chester Road. Merseyside Fire & Rescue Service deployed four engines and a combined pump ladder to both scenes. A spokeswoman said it was too early to say whether the fires, which both started on the first floor, were deliberately started.
The fire on Borough Road was called in to the fire service at 5.02pm, while calls went in about the New Chester Road fire at 6.11pm. There have been no reports of any injuries in either incident. Road closures are in place on both scenes and Merseyside Police have been informed.
Originally built as a private residence, the Hotel California building was licensed from the early 1800s, at least since 1817. Known by various names, Tranmere Inn, Ferry House, Castle Hotel and became the Royal Castle by 1870, acquired by Threlfalls in mid 1890s and selling Whitbread beers into the 1980s. Later known as Hotel California then Revolver before closure in 2018. Plans for the iconic building to be demolished were approved in February 2019.
The Central Hotel is a more recent building and opened in 1938. It closed in 2014, and had its own major fire in 2016, which was suspected as arson.
News Source: Liverpool Echo
The fire on Borough Road was called in to the fire service at 5.02pm, while calls went in about the New Chester Road fire at 6.11pm. There have been no reports of any injuries in either incident. Road closures are in place on both scenes and Merseyside Police have been informed.
Originally built as a private residence, the Hotel California building was licensed from the early 1800s, at least since 1817. Known by various names, Tranmere Inn, Ferry House, Castle Hotel and became the Royal Castle by 1870, acquired by Threlfalls in mid 1890s and selling Whitbread beers into the 1980s. Later known as Hotel California then Revolver before closure in 2018. Plans for the iconic building to be demolished were approved in February 2019.
The Central Hotel is a more recent building and opened in 1938. It closed in 2014, and had its own major fire in 2016, which was suspected as arson.
News Source: Liverpool Echo
The former Hotel California in Birkenhead.
23 August 2019 (16:03) - Fire at Betley Court manor house
A fire has torn through a Grade II* listed manor house in Staffordshire. The blaze at Betley Court, near Newcastle-under-Lyme, was reported at 16:03 BST and six crews were sent to tackle it. The fire service said it wasn't aware of any reported injuries but an ambulance had been sent to the scene. The owner of the building and residents of flats within the property and all 20 residents have "been accounted for".
Posting about the fire on social media, the fire officers said the main road in Betley had been closed while work to tackle the fire continued. Speaking at the scene, chairman of the parish council Robert Bettley-Smith said the owner Prof Nigel Brown had to evacuate the building. It's absolutely terrible," Mr Bettley-Smith said. It's been their life's work to restore the building and turn it into flats and apartments, so it's absolutely heart-breaking what's happened here. The building itself is badly destroyed, possibly a total loss."
Mr Bettley-Smith said, "We are pulling together as a community to do the best we can for the people affected by the fire." Resident Matt Ball said: "It's just heart-breaking. I lived here since I was born and it's the last thing you want to see happen."
Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service has now revealed what sparked the massive fire. A spokesman said the fire was started accidentally by hot works - things like welding or soldering - that were being carried out to the roof space.
About 20 people lived in the flats, including Jill Sutton who said: "Basically, my world has gone." Mrs Sutton, who had lived at the site for just over a year, said: "My treasured memories, my life with my husband who had passed away, all those memories and belongings - the only things I'd got left is what I was stood up in. When I saw [the damage], I was screaming, I was crying. The devastation of the building and how much damage the fire had caused - I was in total shock."
Betley Court was built in 1716 for John Craddock with 18th century alterations by George
Wilkinson. William Eames was commissioned in 1783 to provide extensive gardens with parterres and water features, linked by newly planted trees. Further alterations were carried out to the house in 1809 by John Nash, and in the late 19th and early 20th century by William Douglas Caroe for Thomas Fletcher-Tremlow. By this time the Fletcher-Tremlows owned much of the land and buildings in the centre and south of Betley including Betley Court Farm. The Manor House lies within Betley Conservation Area.
News Source: BBC News
Posting about the fire on social media, the fire officers said the main road in Betley had been closed while work to tackle the fire continued. Speaking at the scene, chairman of the parish council Robert Bettley-Smith said the owner Prof Nigel Brown had to evacuate the building. It's absolutely terrible," Mr Bettley-Smith said. It's been their life's work to restore the building and turn it into flats and apartments, so it's absolutely heart-breaking what's happened here. The building itself is badly destroyed, possibly a total loss."
Mr Bettley-Smith said, "We are pulling together as a community to do the best we can for the people affected by the fire." Resident Matt Ball said: "It's just heart-breaking. I lived here since I was born and it's the last thing you want to see happen."
Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service has now revealed what sparked the massive fire. A spokesman said the fire was started accidentally by hot works - things like welding or soldering - that were being carried out to the roof space.
About 20 people lived in the flats, including Jill Sutton who said: "Basically, my world has gone." Mrs Sutton, who had lived at the site for just over a year, said: "My treasured memories, my life with my husband who had passed away, all those memories and belongings - the only things I'd got left is what I was stood up in. When I saw [the damage], I was screaming, I was crying. The devastation of the building and how much damage the fire had caused - I was in total shock."
Betley Court was built in 1716 for John Craddock with 18th century alterations by George
Wilkinson. William Eames was commissioned in 1783 to provide extensive gardens with parterres and water features, linked by newly planted trees. Further alterations were carried out to the house in 1809 by John Nash, and in the late 19th and early 20th century by William Douglas Caroe for Thomas Fletcher-Tremlow. By this time the Fletcher-Tremlows owned much of the land and buildings in the centre and south of Betley including Betley Court Farm. The Manor House lies within Betley Conservation Area.
News Source: BBC News
Betley Court, Betley (Image: Staffordshire Fire & Rescue Service)
Listing Details
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Entry Name: Betley Court, dovecote, and forecourt walls and gates
Listing Date: 13 September 1976 Last Amended: 22 April 1988 Grade: II* Source: Historic England Source ID: 1038584 English Heritage Legacy ID: 273311 Location: Betley, Newcastle-under-Lyme, Staffordshire, CW3 County: Staffordshire District: Newcastle-under-Lyme |
Coordinates
Latitude: 53.0323 / 53°1'56"N Longitude: -2.369 / 2°22'8"W OS Eastings: 375350 OS Northings: 348398 OS Grid: SJ753483 Mapcode National: GBR 02C.V73 Mapcode Global: WH9BL.L13 |
19 August 2019 (18:30*) - Herdman's: Arson suspected in derelict mill fire
A fire at Herdman's Mill in Sion Mills, County Tyrone, was started deliberately, the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service (NIFRS) has said. The fire broke out at the historic site at around 18:30 BST on Monday. Four fire appliances and an aerial appliance were involved in tackling the blaze at the derelict mill. The fire was extinguished at 21:40 BST. A NIFRS spokesman said the fire was started deliberately.
It is the latest in a number of deliberate fires at the derelict site which was bought by local lottery winner Margaret Loughrey for £1m in 2014. It was previously owned by the Herdman family for more than 170 years.
SDLP MLA Daniel McCrossan said the site needs to be afforded better protection. "The history of the area is being allowed to go up in smoke and this should no longer be the case," he said. "Public bodies, including the council and the Department for Communities, need to step in to secure the mill otherwise it will be completely lost. Either that, or private sector investors who are willing to spend money and create much needed jobs for the area."
The mill once employed more than 1,000 staff. It ceased spinning linen in 2004 and the company that owned the mill went into receivership in 2011. It is Grade B+ Listed.
News Source: BBC News
It is the latest in a number of deliberate fires at the derelict site which was bought by local lottery winner Margaret Loughrey for £1m in 2014. It was previously owned by the Herdman family for more than 170 years.
SDLP MLA Daniel McCrossan said the site needs to be afforded better protection. "The history of the area is being allowed to go up in smoke and this should no longer be the case," he said. "Public bodies, including the council and the Department for Communities, need to step in to secure the mill otherwise it will be completely lost. Either that, or private sector investors who are willing to spend money and create much needed jobs for the area."
The mill once employed more than 1,000 staff. It ceased spinning linen in 2004 and the company that owned the mill went into receivership in 2011. It is Grade B+ Listed.
News Source: BBC News
NIFRS say the fire broke out at around 1830 BST on Monday (Picture: Daniel Mccrossan)
Listing Details
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HB Ref No: HB10/07/004
Date of Construction: 1880 - 1899 Address : Herdmans' Mill Mill Avenue Sion Mills Liggartown Strabane Co Tyrone BT82 9HE Townland: Liggartown Survey 2: B+ Date of Listing: 17/01/1979 Current Use: Mill Former Use Mill Conservation Area: Yes Industrial Archaeology: Yes |
Coordinates
OS Map No: 72/16 IG Ref: H3437 9335 |
19 August 2019 (10:30*) - Fire in kitchen forces closure of Helensburgh restaurant
A Helensburgh restaurant has been closed "until further notice" after fire broke out in the kitchen. Firefighting crews from Helensburgh and Garelochhead attended the blaze at Padrone Pizza in West Clyde Street at approximately 10.30am on Monday. Pictures taken nearby showed a police and ambulance presence outside the restaurant, while traffic was redirected on to other streets in the town centre.
The owners tweeted @PadronePizza: "We had a small fire in the kitchen this morning. No damage to the restaurant, however the kitchen requires some work. Thanks to the Helensburgh & Garelochhead Stations of the @fire_scot, as well as the other emergency services in attendance. We are closed until further notice."
The closure is a further blow to Padrone Pizza's owners, Milan and Cara Nikolic, who took the decision last month to close one of their other businesses in the town, the Logie Baird pub in James Street. The couple said revenue at the business had fallen since the Argyll and Bute licensing board decided earlier this year to impose limits on the hours during which the pub was licensed to sell alcohol.
The restaurant is part of a Category B listed, mid 19th century tenement building, described in its listing as “in late David Hamilton, early Alexander Thomson school.”
News Source: Helensburgh Advertiser
The owners tweeted @PadronePizza: "We had a small fire in the kitchen this morning. No damage to the restaurant, however the kitchen requires some work. Thanks to the Helensburgh & Garelochhead Stations of the @fire_scot, as well as the other emergency services in attendance. We are closed until further notice."
The closure is a further blow to Padrone Pizza's owners, Milan and Cara Nikolic, who took the decision last month to close one of their other businesses in the town, the Logie Baird pub in James Street. The couple said revenue at the business had fallen since the Argyll and Bute licensing board decided earlier this year to impose limits on the hours during which the pub was licensed to sell alcohol.
The restaurant is part of a Category B listed, mid 19th century tenement building, described in its listing as “in late David Hamilton, early Alexander Thomson school.”
News Source: Helensburgh Advertiser
Emergency services were called to a report of a fire at a restaurant in West Clyde Street on Monday morning (Photo - Kevin Mullen)
Listing Details
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Entry Name: 42-45 (Inclusive Nos) Clyde Street West
Listing Date: 30 June 1993 Category: B Source: Historic Scotland Source ID: 379094 Historic Scotland Designation Reference: LB34748 Building Class: Cultural Location: Helensburgh County: Argyll and Bute Town: Helensburgh Electoral Ward: Helensburgh Central Traditional County: Dunbartonshire |
Coordinates
Latitude: 56.0037 / 56°0'13"N Longitude: -4.7373 / 4°44'14"W OS Eastings: 229411 OS Northings: 682352 OS Grid: NS294823 Mapcode National: GBR 0D.TPQY Mapcode Global: WH2M4.6CCC |
The Category B listed building (Credit: Google)
19 August 2019 (07:50) - 'Hazardous material' fears as fire erupts at Somerset pub
Police are investigating after a fire broke out at a disused Somerset pub today (August 19). Five fire crews and a hazardous materials and environmental protection advisor were called to the former Hungerford Arms at Farleigh Hungerford near Trowbridge at 7.50am. On arrival, firefighters discovered a blaze on the ground floor of the building. The fire service has confirmed that nobody was injured, and that Avon and Somerset Constabulary is now investigating the incident.
A spokesman for Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service said: "Fire Control received multiple calls reporting this property on fire this morning. Three fire engines from Frome, Bradford-on-Avon and Trowbridge were quickly mobilised and arrived on scene before 8am. Before long, fire crews then requested the attendance of a further two fire engines and Fire Control quickly mobilised fire engines from Westbury and Bath. A hazardous materials and environmental protection advisor was also requested to attend this incident and was mobilised from Salisbury." The spokesman added: "Firefighters at the incident reported that the fire was located in the ground floor of a public house and access was also being made to the roof of the property externally, to check for any fire spread. No people were injured at this incident and the cause of the fire at this time is unknown."
The Hungerford Arms building dates back to at least the 18th century. It was originally known as Houlton Arms but at sometime between the 1891 and 1901 census it changed its name.
News Source: Somerset Live
A spokesman for Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service said: "Fire Control received multiple calls reporting this property on fire this morning. Three fire engines from Frome, Bradford-on-Avon and Trowbridge were quickly mobilised and arrived on scene before 8am. Before long, fire crews then requested the attendance of a further two fire engines and Fire Control quickly mobilised fire engines from Westbury and Bath. A hazardous materials and environmental protection advisor was also requested to attend this incident and was mobilised from Salisbury." The spokesman added: "Firefighters at the incident reported that the fire was located in the ground floor of a public house and access was also being made to the roof of the property externally, to check for any fire spread. No people were injured at this incident and the cause of the fire at this time is unknown."
The Hungerford Arms building dates back to at least the 18th century. It was originally known as Houlton Arms but at sometime between the 1891 and 1901 census it changed its name.
News Source: Somerset Live
A fire fighter at the scene of the fire at the former Hungerford Arms (Image: Artur Lesniak)
Listing Details
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Entry Name: Hungerford Arms
Listing Date: 16 November 1984 Grade: II Source: Historic England Source ID: 1345340 English Heritage Legacy ID: 267199 Location: Norton St. Philip, Mendip, Somerset, BA2 County: Somerset District: Mendip Civil Parish: Norton St Philip Traditional County: Somerset Lieutenancy Area (Ceremonial County): Somerset |
Coordinates
Latitude: 51.3165 / 51°18'59"N Longitude: -2.2886 / 2°17'18"W OS Eastings: 379983 OS Northings: 157529 OS Grid: ST799575 Mapcode National: GBR 0RC.J5K Mapcode Global: VH971.85ZL |
17 August 2019 (10.55*) - Fire at flats near Old Woking Broadmead Roundabout
A fire is reported to have broken out in a new block of flats in Old Woking on Saturday afternoon (August 17). Old Woking High Street has been closed while the fire brigade deals with the incident at London House which has recently been turned into flats. Surrey Fire and Rescue Service has confirmed that a total of four fire engines were sent to a roof fire at one of the flats by the roundabout following a call just before 11am.
At 13.08 the fire was reported to be out, and a fire investigation officer has arrived to begin examining the cause of the blaze. The fire engines are also being released, but one will remain on the scene to make sure everything remains safe, according to the fire brigade’s control room.
The building, originally a drapers, eventually became Old Woking Post Office. When this was closed in 2006, the premises was converted into a restaurant, London House Restaurant, which moved out to new premises in 2016. It has now been converted into flats. It appears to have been a timber framed building, built in the 17th or 18th century and is suggested that it was occupied at one time by the manager of the brewery next door. The building lies within Old Woking Conservation Area
News Source: Surrey Live
At 13.08 the fire was reported to be out, and a fire investigation officer has arrived to begin examining the cause of the blaze. The fire engines are also being released, but one will remain on the scene to make sure everything remains safe, according to the fire brigade’s control room.
The building, originally a drapers, eventually became Old Woking Post Office. When this was closed in 2006, the premises was converted into a restaurant, London House Restaurant, which moved out to new premises in 2016. It has now been converted into flats. It appears to have been a timber framed building, built in the 17th or 18th century and is suggested that it was occupied at one time by the manager of the brewery next door. The building lies within Old Woking Conservation Area
News Source: Surrey Live
Firefighters on the scene at London House
Building History
(Researched by Heritage & Ecclesiastical Fire Protection)
The building has more than one roof line which indicates that it has undergone a number of alterations over the centuries until achieving its present form. The building is in three parts; the front being the original cottage with the next part constructed in the late 18th or early 19th century. An addition was put on to the back of the building in the mid 20th century followed by a further addition in the early 21st century.
When the building was converted into a restaurant, a well was discovered in the area of the present bar. This well has now been filled in but its presence would seem to confirm that the original building was probably a cottage fronting onto the street with the well at its back door.
Although the commentary to the 1719 John Remnant map contains of a list of all the then residents of the old Woking, it does not show who was living at the premises then. John Goater JR3 may have been the occupier. The 1841 Tithe Map is more specific and the owner and occupier is shown as William Freeland & others.
The Censuses 1851-1901 are also helpful as follows but there is no specific reference for 1841. Perhaps too William Kensett was not living at London House between 1851 and 1856.
1851 - Walter Kensett, draper, his housekeeper Elizabeth Potter, William Jenner draper’s assistant and a visitor, Susanna Kensett.
The Court Rolls show Walter Kensett was admitted as tenant on 7th March 1856
1861 - Walter Kensett, draper, clothier and outfitter, his housekeeper Emma Swayne, George Fairall draper’s assistant and two house servants, John Albery and Emma Wood.
1871 - Walter Kensett, linen draper, his wife Emma plus Jane Hone domestic servant and Harry Prescott draper’s assistant.
1881 - There is no reason to doubt that the premises continued to house a drapers in subsequent years. The census return for the High Street for 1881 shows the following two drapers but there is not indication as to which business was at London House.
Joseph Laker, draper and clothier, his wife Lydia and their children, Lydia, domestic, Agnes, draper’s assistant, Arthur, corn merchant, Kate, draper’s assistant, Charles and Ernest and Edwin Rowland, draper employing two apprentices, his wife, Caroline and their children, Ellen and Albert, Walter R Kelsey, draper’s apprentice, Charles A Smythe, draper’s apprentice and Mary Fisher, housekeeper.
On 11th November 1887 the tenancy of the property was transferred to Francis Muggeridge from Walter Kensett. The property is referred to in the Court Rolls as:
All that customary cottage or tenement with the garden cartilage and appurtenances thereto belonging situate in Town Street in Woking adjoining the messuage formerly of Mary Tucker then of William Harvest since of Thomas Newman and now or late of Samuel Strong in the West and to a messuage formerly of Sarah Bedford widow and since of Francis Albury and now or late of Jane Stevens on the East.
When the fascia board over the front shop window were taken down in 2006 during the conversion to a restaurant a 19th century shop sign board was revealed. This was very faded and beyond renovation. The board carried the name Muggeridge & Cole. Either side of the name in scrolled writing was haberdashers and drapers.
1891 - Francis Mugging (Muggeridge), draper, his wife, Jane, their daughter, Dora, a visitor Mary Philpott and a servant, Phoebe Ede.
1901 High Street - Francis Muggeridge, draper and outfitter, his wife Jane, their daughter Dora and Walter Linton boarder and draper’s assistant.
1921-6 - F Muggeridge draper and outfitter 1927-32 Hughes & Son draper and outfitter 1936-39 WB Gardener draper and outfitter 1948 JC Aker draper and outfitter 1949-57 FW Allen draper and outfitter 1964 FW Allen, draper and post office 1969 FM Latham draper and post office WNM.
(Researched by Heritage & Ecclesiastical Fire Protection)
The building has more than one roof line which indicates that it has undergone a number of alterations over the centuries until achieving its present form. The building is in three parts; the front being the original cottage with the next part constructed in the late 18th or early 19th century. An addition was put on to the back of the building in the mid 20th century followed by a further addition in the early 21st century.
When the building was converted into a restaurant, a well was discovered in the area of the present bar. This well has now been filled in but its presence would seem to confirm that the original building was probably a cottage fronting onto the street with the well at its back door.
Although the commentary to the 1719 John Remnant map contains of a list of all the then residents of the old Woking, it does not show who was living at the premises then. John Goater JR3 may have been the occupier. The 1841 Tithe Map is more specific and the owner and occupier is shown as William Freeland & others.
The Censuses 1851-1901 are also helpful as follows but there is no specific reference for 1841. Perhaps too William Kensett was not living at London House between 1851 and 1856.
1851 - Walter Kensett, draper, his housekeeper Elizabeth Potter, William Jenner draper’s assistant and a visitor, Susanna Kensett.
The Court Rolls show Walter Kensett was admitted as tenant on 7th March 1856
1861 - Walter Kensett, draper, clothier and outfitter, his housekeeper Emma Swayne, George Fairall draper’s assistant and two house servants, John Albery and Emma Wood.
1871 - Walter Kensett, linen draper, his wife Emma plus Jane Hone domestic servant and Harry Prescott draper’s assistant.
1881 - There is no reason to doubt that the premises continued to house a drapers in subsequent years. The census return for the High Street for 1881 shows the following two drapers but there is not indication as to which business was at London House.
Joseph Laker, draper and clothier, his wife Lydia and their children, Lydia, domestic, Agnes, draper’s assistant, Arthur, corn merchant, Kate, draper’s assistant, Charles and Ernest and Edwin Rowland, draper employing two apprentices, his wife, Caroline and their children, Ellen and Albert, Walter R Kelsey, draper’s apprentice, Charles A Smythe, draper’s apprentice and Mary Fisher, housekeeper.
On 11th November 1887 the tenancy of the property was transferred to Francis Muggeridge from Walter Kensett. The property is referred to in the Court Rolls as:
All that customary cottage or tenement with the garden cartilage and appurtenances thereto belonging situate in Town Street in Woking adjoining the messuage formerly of Mary Tucker then of William Harvest since of Thomas Newman and now or late of Samuel Strong in the West and to a messuage formerly of Sarah Bedford widow and since of Francis Albury and now or late of Jane Stevens on the East.
When the fascia board over the front shop window were taken down in 2006 during the conversion to a restaurant a 19th century shop sign board was revealed. This was very faded and beyond renovation. The board carried the name Muggeridge & Cole. Either side of the name in scrolled writing was haberdashers and drapers.
1891 - Francis Mugging (Muggeridge), draper, his wife, Jane, their daughter, Dora, a visitor Mary Philpott and a servant, Phoebe Ede.
1901 High Street - Francis Muggeridge, draper and outfitter, his wife Jane, their daughter Dora and Walter Linton boarder and draper’s assistant.
1921-6 - F Muggeridge draper and outfitter 1927-32 Hughes & Son draper and outfitter 1936-39 WB Gardener draper and outfitter 1948 JC Aker draper and outfitter 1949-57 FW Allen draper and outfitter 1964 FW Allen, draper and post office 1969 FM Latham draper and post office WNM.
16 August 2019 (23:04) - Arsonists destroy Historic barn at Asfordby Hill
Arsonists are being blamed for a fire which destroyed a barn at Asfordby Hill late on Friday night. Two crews of firefighters from the Melton station were deployed to the scene, off Melton Road, at 11.04pm.They spent more than two hours dealing with the blaze and investigators found that it had been started deliberately.
A spokesperson for Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service said: “A call was received from a passer-by to a fire seen in the distance, but they didn’t know what was involved. An appliance was sent from Melton Station to investigate and, upon arrival, crews called for a second appliance and confirmed this was a disused barn involved in fire. A barn measuring approximately 10 by 20 meters was fully involved in fire.” Crews extinguished the fire using two hose reel jets using a portable pumping unit fed from a river near to the barn, but they were unable to prevent it being burned down.
A spokesman for Leicestershire Police said: “We were called just before 12.30am in the early hours of Saturday morning to reports of a barn being set on fire on Melton Road, Asfordby Hill. The fire service said it was believed to be caused by deliberate ignition. If anyone saw anything suspicious at the time of the incident we would ask them to call us on 101.”
The owner of the rural Asfordby Hlll building has twice tried unsuccessfully to get planning permission to use it as a home and has been left ‘devastated’ after it was destroyed in an arson attack on Friday night. Alain Bonamy bought the barn-style former pump house, off Melton Road, for £65,000 seven years ago after the previous owner had converted it into a dwelling without the borough council’s approval. He applied for retrospective planning permission for the property and for change of use, but Melton Council refused both applications because of the building’s isolated location, and the lack of access to it, and a subsequent planning application for a permanent track also failed after he was told he used the wrong form.
Mr Bonamy, who lives with his family in London but who wanted to relocate them to the property and set up a smallholding on the eight-acre site, was becoming increasingly disillusioned with the situation after squatters and drug-takers moved into it, costing him money to evict them through the courts.
Mr Bonamy said on Monday morning: “It’s devastation that this happened. I cannot understand why anyone would want to do something like - I am so upset about this.” He says he reiterated to the council, in his various applications for planning permission to use it as a dwelling, that by leaving the property unoccupied it was vulnerable to being broken into. “I told them something like this would happen if no-one was living in it,” he added. “The fire brigade apparently had to carry their stuff for half-a-kilometre to the property because I was not allowed to make the track leading to it into a proper access. The council had a nerve to say the building would spoil the landscape because it has already been converted into a five-bedroom home and if we had been living in it I’m sure this fire would never have happened.”
Melton Council said last year that it has been involved in lengthy correspondence with Mr Bonamy over his quest to attain planning permission for his property and that decisions on his applications, like those from every other applicant, are decided purely on planning grounds according to the council’s policies. The property was originally built as a barn in 1900 and has planning approval for light industrial use.
News Source: Melton Times
A spokesperson for Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service said: “A call was received from a passer-by to a fire seen in the distance, but they didn’t know what was involved. An appliance was sent from Melton Station to investigate and, upon arrival, crews called for a second appliance and confirmed this was a disused barn involved in fire. A barn measuring approximately 10 by 20 meters was fully involved in fire.” Crews extinguished the fire using two hose reel jets using a portable pumping unit fed from a river near to the barn, but they were unable to prevent it being burned down.
A spokesman for Leicestershire Police said: “We were called just before 12.30am in the early hours of Saturday morning to reports of a barn being set on fire on Melton Road, Asfordby Hill. The fire service said it was believed to be caused by deliberate ignition. If anyone saw anything suspicious at the time of the incident we would ask them to call us on 101.”
The owner of the rural Asfordby Hlll building has twice tried unsuccessfully to get planning permission to use it as a home and has been left ‘devastated’ after it was destroyed in an arson attack on Friday night. Alain Bonamy bought the barn-style former pump house, off Melton Road, for £65,000 seven years ago after the previous owner had converted it into a dwelling without the borough council’s approval. He applied for retrospective planning permission for the property and for change of use, but Melton Council refused both applications because of the building’s isolated location, and the lack of access to it, and a subsequent planning application for a permanent track also failed after he was told he used the wrong form.
Mr Bonamy, who lives with his family in London but who wanted to relocate them to the property and set up a smallholding on the eight-acre site, was becoming increasingly disillusioned with the situation after squatters and drug-takers moved into it, costing him money to evict them through the courts.
Mr Bonamy said on Monday morning: “It’s devastation that this happened. I cannot understand why anyone would want to do something like - I am so upset about this.” He says he reiterated to the council, in his various applications for planning permission to use it as a dwelling, that by leaving the property unoccupied it was vulnerable to being broken into. “I told them something like this would happen if no-one was living in it,” he added. “The fire brigade apparently had to carry their stuff for half-a-kilometre to the property because I was not allowed to make the track leading to it into a proper access. The council had a nerve to say the building would spoil the landscape because it has already been converted into a five-bedroom home and if we had been living in it I’m sure this fire would never have happened.”
Melton Council said last year that it has been involved in lengthy correspondence with Mr Bonamy over his quest to attain planning permission for his property and that decisions on his applications, like those from every other applicant, are decided purely on planning grounds according to the council’s policies. The property was originally built as a barn in 1900 and has planning approval for light industrial use.
News Source: Melton Times
Alain Bonamy pictured last year at The Old Pump House at Asfordby which he hoped to convert into a family home and smallholding - it was destroyed in a fire late on Friday night
16 August 2019 (22:30*) - Fire on third floor of Stroud house
A house fire broke out in Stroud on Friday evening (August 16). Smoke could be seen pouring from the third floor bedroom of a house in Lower Street. Two fire crews from Stroud were called just before 10.30pm. They used two hose reels and two sets of breathing apparatus to exxtinguish the fire before leaving the scene at 1am. The building was 50 per cent damaged by fire but there were no casualties.
The house involved is Castle Bank, part of the Grade II listed mid-19th century semi-detached houses with the entry name Castle Bank and Yarrow.
News Source: Stroud News and Journal
The house involved is Castle Bank, part of the Grade II listed mid-19th century semi-detached houses with the entry name Castle Bank and Yarrow.
News Source: Stroud News and Journal
Smoke could be seen pouring from the third floor bedroom of a house in Lower Street.
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Grade II listed Castle Bank and Yarrow
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Listing Details
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Entry Name: Castle Bank Yarrow
Listing Date: 25 June 1974 Grade: II Source: Historic England Source ID: 1222626 English Heritage Legacy ID: 418001 Location: Stroud, Stroud, Gloucestershire, GL5 County: Gloucestershire District: Stroud Civil Parish: Stroud Built-Up Area: Stroud Traditional County: Gloucestershire Lieutenancy Area (Ceremonial County): Gloucestershire Church of England Parish: Stroud Holy Trinity Church of England Diocese: Gloucester |
Coordinates
Latitude: 51.7434 / 51°44'36"N Longitude: -2.2096 / 2°12'34"W OS Eastings: 385624 OS Northings: 204982 OS Grid: SO856049 Mapcode National: GBR 1ML.L5W Mapcode Global: VH94Y.NF7W |
15 August 2019 (19:03) - Hotel kitchen fire put out in Purton
Firefighters tackled a cooker fire in a Purton hotel right in the centre of the village. Crews from Cricklade, Swindon and Westlea fire stations responded to reports of a small fire in the kitchen of a building on the village's High Street. The first call came in to fire control at 7.03pm on Thursday night and fire engines raced to the scene. A spokesman for the Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service said: "Fire crews have attended reports of a fire at a hotel in Purton, Swindon. Upon arrival, a small fire located behind a commercial cooker was located. This was successfully extinguished using one hose reel jet."
The fire was at The Angel pub, who posted on their Facebook page this morning, “Due to a small fire in our kitchen yesterday evening which was out of our control we are running a limited menu until further notice. The pub will be open at 3pm & Food will be served from 6pm!”
The present building is Grade II listed and dates from 1704 (datestone). An inn probably stood on the same spot even before then. At one time the landlord brewed his own beer and it must have been made on a grand scale if we are to believe a local legend that 6,000 gallons of it were sold during one 18th century Purton fair. What is certain is that Purton folk considered The Angel to be far more than a simple pub. For example, throughout the 18th and 19th centuries the local Magistrates met here monthly and it was inside the same four walls that the Purton Friendly Society was founded in 1787. The Angel changed hands several times during this period and Arkell's purchased it in 1884 at a cost of £1,200. By 1910 it was being advertised as "good accommodation for hunting gentlemen".
News Source: Swindon Advertiser
The fire was at The Angel pub, who posted on their Facebook page this morning, “Due to a small fire in our kitchen yesterday evening which was out of our control we are running a limited menu until further notice. The pub will be open at 3pm & Food will be served from 6pm!”
The present building is Grade II listed and dates from 1704 (datestone). An inn probably stood on the same spot even before then. At one time the landlord brewed his own beer and it must have been made on a grand scale if we are to believe a local legend that 6,000 gallons of it were sold during one 18th century Purton fair. What is certain is that Purton folk considered The Angel to be far more than a simple pub. For example, throughout the 18th and 19th centuries the local Magistrates met here monthly and it was inside the same four walls that the Purton Friendly Society was founded in 1787. The Angel changed hands several times during this period and Arkell's purchased it in 1884 at a cost of £1,200. By 1910 it was being advertised as "good accommodation for hunting gentlemen".
News Source: Swindon Advertiser
The Angel in Purton was built in 1704
Listing Details
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Entry Name: The Angel Public House
Listing Date: 17 January 1955 Last Amended: 17 April 1986 Grade: II Source: Historic England Source ID: 1283866 English Heritage Legacy ID: 317970 Location: Purton, Wiltshire, SN5 County: Wiltshire Civil Parish: Purton Built-Up Area: Purton Traditional County: Wiltshire Lieutenancy Area (Ceremonial County): Wiltshire Church of England Parish: Purton Church of England Diocese: Bristo |
Coordinates
Latitude: 51.5876 / 51°35'15"N Longitude: -1.8684 / 1°52'6"W OS Eastings: 409213 OS Northings: 187646 OS Grid: SU092876 Mapcode National: GBR 3SM.GF9 Mapcode Global: VHB3C.KCM9 |
15 August (18:34) - Five fire engines and police rushed to scene of Leeds takeaway fire
Five fire engines were scrambled to Ozmo's on Chapeltown Road in Leeds this evening to deal with a fire. The roof of the single storey section to the rear of the takeaway was 100% involved in fire. Crews used 8 breathing apparatus, 3 hose reels and positive pressure ventilation fans to extinguish the fire. The fire also caused smoke logging to neighbouring properties. Four appliances and 1 aerial from Leeds, Moortown and Hunslet attended along with fire investigation officer.
Shocking photographs show the horrific fire and smoke damage to the kitchen. A police cordon remains in place at the scene and Chapeltown Road has been closed while the fire is dealt with. Officers are still at the scene.
Ozmo’s is one of the units in the 19th century Gothic, stone fronted terrace at the south end of the Chapeltown Conservation Area (101-117 Chapeltown Road) The Area Appraisal says that the building is one of the most interesting. “The rhythm of its nine gables that front onto Chapeltown Road and its corner tower are major landmarks and feature prominently in views downhill from the north. The use of stone and the mullioned windows provide a thematic link along the road.”
News Source: Yorkshire Evening Post
Shocking photographs show the horrific fire and smoke damage to the kitchen. A police cordon remains in place at the scene and Chapeltown Road has been closed while the fire is dealt with. Officers are still at the scene.
Ozmo’s is one of the units in the 19th century Gothic, stone fronted terrace at the south end of the Chapeltown Conservation Area (101-117 Chapeltown Road) The Area Appraisal says that the building is one of the most interesting. “The rhythm of its nine gables that front onto Chapeltown Road and its corner tower are major landmarks and feature prominently in views downhill from the north. The use of stone and the mullioned windows provide a thematic link along the road.”
News Source: Yorkshire Evening Post
The scene at Ozmo's takeaway.
15 August 2019 (04:44) - Berry Street: 53° Liverpool club hit by major fire
A major blaze has destroyed parts of a nightclub in Liverpool that crews have tackled for more than eight hours. The roof and floors of 53° Liverpool have collapsed in the fire, since it broke out in Berry Street in the city centre at about 04:45 BST. Local residents and businesses were told to keep doors and windows closed because of the extent of the smoke. The club is close to the City of Liverpool College, where students had hoped to pick up their A-level results.
The owners of 53° have vowed to reopen in the wake of the blaze, which is now under control. "We are going to need a bit of time to tidy up the dance floor (and we need a roof) but we will be back soon," a spokesman said. "Thankfully nobody was hurt... thanks to our many industry friends and brilliant customers for your messages."
Merseyside Police have closed a series of roads close to the scene, where there were no reports of any injuries. The building was "well alight" when crews arrived, Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service said. "Due to the high volume of smoke in the area, nearby residents and businesses are advised to keep their windows and doors shut," it said in a statement. Despite being unable to stop the building from collapsing firefighters, who used an aerial platform, were able to stop the blaze from spreading to surrounding properties and businesses.
The building (15-19 Berry Street) was built in March 1912. The first occupier was The Mallard Motor Co., but they went Bankrupt in September 1915. It continued as a car sales showroom as Smith's Garage by November 1916, Alex Matthew, motor car agent between 1935 -1968, Auto Speed by October 1968 and A.A. Car Sales, up to September 1979. In more recent years it has been several different restaurant and bars including Ziba, Shere Khan, Cabin Gin and Prosecco Bar, TriBeCa, Porky’s Ski Hutte and finally, 53°. It lies within the Duke Street Conservation Area.
News Source: BBC News
The owners of 53° have vowed to reopen in the wake of the blaze, which is now under control. "We are going to need a bit of time to tidy up the dance floor (and we need a roof) but we will be back soon," a spokesman said. "Thankfully nobody was hurt... thanks to our many industry friends and brilliant customers for your messages."
Merseyside Police have closed a series of roads close to the scene, where there were no reports of any injuries. The building was "well alight" when crews arrived, Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service said. "Due to the high volume of smoke in the area, nearby residents and businesses are advised to keep their windows and doors shut," it said in a statement. Despite being unable to stop the building from collapsing firefighters, who used an aerial platform, were able to stop the blaze from spreading to surrounding properties and businesses.
The building (15-19 Berry Street) was built in March 1912. The first occupier was The Mallard Motor Co., but they went Bankrupt in September 1915. It continued as a car sales showroom as Smith's Garage by November 1916, Alex Matthew, motor car agent between 1935 -1968, Auto Speed by October 1968 and A.A. Car Sales, up to September 1979. In more recent years it has been several different restaurant and bars including Ziba, Shere Khan, Cabin Gin and Prosecco Bar, TriBeCa, Porky’s Ski Hutte and finally, 53°. It lies within the Duke Street Conservation Area.
News Source: BBC News
13 August 2019 (23:00*) - Londonderry: Petrol bombs thrown at historic walls in third night of violence
More than 20 petrol bombs have been thrown during a third consecutive night of violence in Londonderry. Most of the petrol bombs and stones were thrown across the city's historic walls from the Bogside area. There was a strong police presence on and inside the walls, and police officers in riot gear were on standby. PSNI Supt Gordon McCalmont said that while "extremely young teenagers" were involved, he believed the violence was orchestrated. "I have no doubt that this disorder is being orchestrated by much older people and that these youths are being used to attack police and significant symbolic sites around our city walls," he said. "No one wants to see these despicable scenes on our streets."
Police said between 30 and 40 people took part in the disorder on Monday evening. A total of 24 petrol bombs were thrown in the area of the city walls and police were attacked with bricks and bottles. Paint was also thrown. Two petrol bombs were thrown over its historic walls police said. A makeshift barricade was erected and set on fire in the Fahan Street area of Derry. A laser pen was also shone at the PSNI helicopter. Image caption Officers in riot gear were on stand-by in the Bogside area. Dozens of people, including tourists and some residents from the nearby Fountain estate, came on to the walls to watch the disorder below in the Bogside, reported BBC News NI's Kevin Sharkey. "But with some missiles landing on the walls, the police eventually ordered onlookers away from the area," he added.
Supt McCalmont said anyone with influence should use it positively and "help dissuade young people from participating in public disorder. It must be made clear to them that they are risking their safety and that of others, as well as running the risk of a criminal conviction which could have a long-lasting impact on their future prospects," he said. No arrests have been made but police said a "significant amount of evidence" had been gathered in recent days. The violence comes amid heightened tensions as the city marks 50 years since the Battle of the Bogside saw British troops deployed to Northern Ireland. Later this week, an annual bonfire will be lit in the area: Bonfires are lit in some nationalist areas each 15 August to mark the Catholic Feast of the Assumption.
This is the only remaining completely walled city in Ireland and one of the finest examples of Walled Cities in Europe. The Walls were built during the period 1613-1618 by the honourable, the Irish Society as defences for early seventeenth century settlers from England and Scotland. The Walls, which are approximately 1.5km in circumference, form a walkway around the inner city and provide a unique promenade to view the layout of the original town which still preserves its Renaissance Style street plan to this day. The walls lie within the Londonderry Conservation Area.
News Source: BBC News
Police said between 30 and 40 people took part in the disorder on Monday evening. A total of 24 petrol bombs were thrown in the area of the city walls and police were attacked with bricks and bottles. Paint was also thrown. Two petrol bombs were thrown over its historic walls police said. A makeshift barricade was erected and set on fire in the Fahan Street area of Derry. A laser pen was also shone at the PSNI helicopter. Image caption Officers in riot gear were on stand-by in the Bogside area. Dozens of people, including tourists and some residents from the nearby Fountain estate, came on to the walls to watch the disorder below in the Bogside, reported BBC News NI's Kevin Sharkey. "But with some missiles landing on the walls, the police eventually ordered onlookers away from the area," he added.
Supt McCalmont said anyone with influence should use it positively and "help dissuade young people from participating in public disorder. It must be made clear to them that they are risking their safety and that of others, as well as running the risk of a criminal conviction which could have a long-lasting impact on their future prospects," he said. No arrests have been made but police said a "significant amount of evidence" had been gathered in recent days. The violence comes amid heightened tensions as the city marks 50 years since the Battle of the Bogside saw British troops deployed to Northern Ireland. Later this week, an annual bonfire will be lit in the area: Bonfires are lit in some nationalist areas each 15 August to mark the Catholic Feast of the Assumption.
This is the only remaining completely walled city in Ireland and one of the finest examples of Walled Cities in Europe. The Walls were built during the period 1613-1618 by the honourable, the Irish Society as defences for early seventeenth century settlers from England and Scotland. The Walls, which are approximately 1.5km in circumference, form a walkway around the inner city and provide a unique promenade to view the layout of the original town which still preserves its Renaissance Style street plan to this day. The walls lie within the Londonderry Conservation Area.
News Source: BBC News
Police maintained a presence around the city's historic walls on Monday night
13 August 2019 (17:05*) - Fire service: Crumlin Road Courthouse blaze was deliberate
The Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service is treating a blaze at the Grade B+ listed old Crumlin Road Courthouse in Belfast as deliberate. The fire service was called to the scene shortly after 5pm on Tuesday and firefighters were met with a "well developed" fire in the basement area of the building. At the height of the blaze, seven fire appliances and 30 firefighters from across Belfast were in attendance, along with a high-reach aerial appliance. Six firefighters wearing breathing apparatus using three jets and thermal imaging cameras extinguished the fire within two hours.
NIFRS personnel, however, were still on the site as of 8pm to deal with smoke which had travelled to the Grade A listed Crumlin Road Gaol across the road, which is connected to the courthouse by an underground tunnel. NIFRS group commander William Johnson hit out at those responsible. "This is the fourth time we have been called to the Crumlin Road Courthouse in the last week-and-a-half. Our investigations tell us this latest incident was a deliberate ignition by fire starters," he said. "These actions put our firefighters at unnecessary risk. The building itself is in very poor condition, with unstable ceilings and missing floors, making it extremely dangerous. I would like to appeal to the public to report any suspicious behaviour at the courthouse to the authorities. I would also appeal to the individuals who started this fire - dealing with these reckless actions means the fire service has less cover for north and west Belfast. Because of incidents like these, we are unable to attend other emergencies and people's lives could be put at risk."
The Crumlin Road Courthouse was designed by the architect Charles Lanyon and completed in 1850, and is one of Belfast's most iconic buildings. The courthouse closed in June 1998. It was sold to local investor Barry Gilligan in September 2003 for £1. His plans for the courthouse included redeveloping it as a tourist attraction and a hotel, but these plans never progressed. This is not the first time a fire has struck Crumlin Road Courthhouse. On the 12th March 2009, the courthouse suffered significant damage in a fire and a series of further fires in August 2009 caused further massive damage to the structure, prompting questions into the cause and leaving the future of the building in question.
Another fire in 2015 also caused minor damage to the building, which the Fire Service said was started deliberately. In March 2017, Lawrence Kenwright, from the Signature Living Group, bought the site and announced plans to develop the listed building into a £10m, 77-bed hotel. Last September, Belfast City Council approved the plans.
News Source: Belfast Telegraph Digital
NIFRS personnel, however, were still on the site as of 8pm to deal with smoke which had travelled to the Grade A listed Crumlin Road Gaol across the road, which is connected to the courthouse by an underground tunnel. NIFRS group commander William Johnson hit out at those responsible. "This is the fourth time we have been called to the Crumlin Road Courthouse in the last week-and-a-half. Our investigations tell us this latest incident was a deliberate ignition by fire starters," he said. "These actions put our firefighters at unnecessary risk. The building itself is in very poor condition, with unstable ceilings and missing floors, making it extremely dangerous. I would like to appeal to the public to report any suspicious behaviour at the courthouse to the authorities. I would also appeal to the individuals who started this fire - dealing with these reckless actions means the fire service has less cover for north and west Belfast. Because of incidents like these, we are unable to attend other emergencies and people's lives could be put at risk."
The Crumlin Road Courthouse was designed by the architect Charles Lanyon and completed in 1850, and is one of Belfast's most iconic buildings. The courthouse closed in June 1998. It was sold to local investor Barry Gilligan in September 2003 for £1. His plans for the courthouse included redeveloping it as a tourist attraction and a hotel, but these plans never progressed. This is not the first time a fire has struck Crumlin Road Courthhouse. On the 12th March 2009, the courthouse suffered significant damage in a fire and a series of further fires in August 2009 caused further massive damage to the structure, prompting questions into the cause and leaving the future of the building in question.
Another fire in 2015 also caused minor damage to the building, which the Fire Service said was started deliberately. In March 2017, Lawrence Kenwright, from the Signature Living Group, bought the site and announced plans to develop the listed building into a £10m, 77-bed hotel. Last September, Belfast City Council approved the plans.
News Source: Belfast Telegraph Digital
Firefighters at the scene of a blaze in the Crumlin road court house Belfast on August 13th 2019 ( Photo by Kevin Scott )
Listing Details
|
HB Ref No: HB26/35/006
Date of Construction: 1840 - 1859 Address : The Court-House Crumlin Road Belfast BT14 6AL Townland: None Survey 2: B+ Date of Listing: 04/02/1988 Current Use: Court House Former Use: Court House Conservation Area: No |
Coordinates
OS Map No: 130/9 SW IG Ref: J3297 7529 |
12 August 2019 (20:38) - Fire at Royal Victoria Hospital in Folkestone
Dozens of firefighters have been tackling a blaze at a derelict hospital. Eight fire engines were sent to the Royal Victoria Hospital on Radnor Park Road, Folkestone. Witnesses said police officers were also at the scene. Kent Fire and Rescue said 40 firefighters were tackling the flames.The fire broke out at 8.38pm, a spokesman said. Pictures from the scene show spectators gathered outside the building. Smoke can be seen for miles around. Fire crews wearing breathing apparatus used a main jet and hose reels to fight the fire and carried out a search of the property.
No casualties were reported, but fire investigators and police forensic teams have been seen at the site this morning. The front doors of the historic building are open, with the boards once covering them lying on the steps. Somebody who works on the site, but wouldn’t be named, said the fire broke out in two areas, on two different sides of the building. He said it is suspected arson.
Workers on site are now unable to access the building today until a proper investigation has been carried out. While the site - set to be partially demolished in a flat conversion plan - is fenced off, the minor injury clinic and clinics in the newer part of the hospital remain open. A tweet from the East Kent Hospitals Trust reads: "Royal Victoria Hospital is open as normal for patients today and is unaffected by the fire that took place in the adjacent building last night. Services running as normal. Access to Radnor Park Avenue restricted. Advice is to allow some extra time if travelling to the site." It is not yet known if it will delay demolition work.
The Royal Victoria was a community hospital located on the edge of Radnor Park which
opened in 1846, but has fallen into major disrepair over the last decade. In 2015 an unsuccessful campaign was launched by members of the Women's Institute in Folkestone, who led calls for improved health care or social care at the site. But it has remained empty for more than a decade after its last ward closed in 2006.
Earlier this year work to demolish part of the delapitated building was given the go-ahead. Plans include converting the main hospital building, while the redundant outbuildings and extensions will be torn down to make room for more homes. Documents state: "The proposed demolition of these buildings is necessary to facilitate the redevelopment of the site. The condition of some of the buildings has deteriorated and are in a poor state of repair. Demolition is required to prevent them from becoming a serious health and safety risk."
News Source: Kent Online
No casualties were reported, but fire investigators and police forensic teams have been seen at the site this morning. The front doors of the historic building are open, with the boards once covering them lying on the steps. Somebody who works on the site, but wouldn’t be named, said the fire broke out in two areas, on two different sides of the building. He said it is suspected arson.
Workers on site are now unable to access the building today until a proper investigation has been carried out. While the site - set to be partially demolished in a flat conversion plan - is fenced off, the minor injury clinic and clinics in the newer part of the hospital remain open. A tweet from the East Kent Hospitals Trust reads: "Royal Victoria Hospital is open as normal for patients today and is unaffected by the fire that took place in the adjacent building last night. Services running as normal. Access to Radnor Park Avenue restricted. Advice is to allow some extra time if travelling to the site." It is not yet known if it will delay demolition work.
The Royal Victoria was a community hospital located on the edge of Radnor Park which
opened in 1846, but has fallen into major disrepair over the last decade. In 2015 an unsuccessful campaign was launched by members of the Women's Institute in Folkestone, who led calls for improved health care or social care at the site. But it has remained empty for more than a decade after its last ward closed in 2006.
Earlier this year work to demolish part of the delapitated building was given the go-ahead. Plans include converting the main hospital building, while the redundant outbuildings and extensions will be torn down to make room for more homes. Documents state: "The proposed demolition of these buildings is necessary to facilitate the redevelopment of the site. The condition of some of the buildings has deteriorated and are in a poor state of repair. Demolition is required to prevent them from becoming a serious health and safety risk."
News Source: Kent Online
Fire crews are at the scene
Building History
(Researched by Heritage & Ecclesiastical Fire Protection / nellyurbex)
Since its construction, the hospital has been known by a few different names......Folkestone Dispensary from 1846 to 1863, then between 1863 and 1890 it was called The Folkestone Dispensary and Infirmary, followed by The Victoria Hospital between 1890 and 1910 and lastly The Royal Victoria Hospital from 1910 onwards.
On the 14th September 1944, the Hospital was hit by a German shell. Two members of staff and a passing member of the home guard were killed.
In 1973 the maternity unit was transferred to Willesborough Hospital and following the opening of the William Harvey Hospital at Ashford in 1979, the Royal Victoria was transformed into a centre for geriatric, stroke rehabilitation, eye surgery and general practitioner patients.
In 2005 it was decided that 2 wards were to close at the hospital, and in 2006 it was announced that the old victorian building at Royal Victoria was to be put up for sale by it’s owners, the East Kent Hospitals NHS Trust. Within a week an action group was setup, Save OUR Royal Victoria.
The East Kent Hospitals NHS Trust confirmed in 2007 that the building would be sold, but did pledge to re-locate some of the services into adjacent hospital buildings which were remaining open. In 2008 the East Kent Hospitals NHS Trust committed to retaining all services at the current hospital
(Researched by Heritage & Ecclesiastical Fire Protection / nellyurbex)
Since its construction, the hospital has been known by a few different names......Folkestone Dispensary from 1846 to 1863, then between 1863 and 1890 it was called The Folkestone Dispensary and Infirmary, followed by The Victoria Hospital between 1890 and 1910 and lastly The Royal Victoria Hospital from 1910 onwards.
On the 14th September 1944, the Hospital was hit by a German shell. Two members of staff and a passing member of the home guard were killed.
In 1973 the maternity unit was transferred to Willesborough Hospital and following the opening of the William Harvey Hospital at Ashford in 1979, the Royal Victoria was transformed into a centre for geriatric, stroke rehabilitation, eye surgery and general practitioner patients.
In 2005 it was decided that 2 wards were to close at the hospital, and in 2006 it was announced that the old victorian building at Royal Victoria was to be put up for sale by it’s owners, the East Kent Hospitals NHS Trust. Within a week an action group was setup, Save OUR Royal Victoria.
The East Kent Hospitals NHS Trust confirmed in 2007 that the building would be sold, but did pledge to re-locate some of the services into adjacent hospital buildings which were remaining open. In 2008 the East Kent Hospitals NHS Trust committed to retaining all services at the current hospital
12 August 2019 (06:54) - Notting Hill fire: More than 100 firefighters tackle blaze
More than 100 fire officers battled a major blaze which tore through a block of restaurants and flats in Notting Hill this morning. At least 16 people escaped as a stretch of the upmarket Westbourne Grove shopping street was sealed off.
Hamid Razi, 44, who owns Persian cafe Sadaf, said the blaze began in basement restaurant Tiroler at just before 7am, and spread to the shops, restaurants and flats above. He described hearing an explosion at about 8.30am today, about an hour and a half after the fire brigade were called. He said: “It’s horrible to build a ten year business and then for it to burn in front of my eyes. I saw all my pictures and my history burning. When it happened I was crying. It’s a business of many, many families. They tried to access it but there was too much fire. The restaurant is completely gone. Even the top flat is gone."
The restaurateur, who also owns the Fresco restaurant next door, estimated the damage and loss of earnings at “probably a million, maybe more”. He added: “It’s summer-time, it’s a busy time for us. But it’s the history...I put all my life in it.” He said a plaque he had bought from his native Iran that hung in the restaurant had cost more than £1,000 alone.
London Fire Brigade sent 15 fire crews and 100 firefighters from across London, and advised people to avoid the area. Station Manager Keith Carmichael said: “This is a difficult fire to fight due to there being a partial ceiling collapse which is reducing access to the seat of the fire.” The cause is being investigated.
Built in the mid 19th century, this is an “unlisted building of merit”, contributing to the unified townscape and the prevailing character of the Westbourne Conservation Area.
News Source: Evening Standard
Hamid Razi, 44, who owns Persian cafe Sadaf, said the blaze began in basement restaurant Tiroler at just before 7am, and spread to the shops, restaurants and flats above. He described hearing an explosion at about 8.30am today, about an hour and a half after the fire brigade were called. He said: “It’s horrible to build a ten year business and then for it to burn in front of my eyes. I saw all my pictures and my history burning. When it happened I was crying. It’s a business of many, many families. They tried to access it but there was too much fire. The restaurant is completely gone. Even the top flat is gone."
The restaurateur, who also owns the Fresco restaurant next door, estimated the damage and loss of earnings at “probably a million, maybe more”. He added: “It’s summer-time, it’s a busy time for us. But it’s the history...I put all my life in it.” He said a plaque he had bought from his native Iran that hung in the restaurant had cost more than £1,000 alone.
London Fire Brigade sent 15 fire crews and 100 firefighters from across London, and advised people to avoid the area. Station Manager Keith Carmichael said: “This is a difficult fire to fight due to there being a partial ceiling collapse which is reducing access to the seat of the fire.” The cause is being investigated.
Built in the mid 19th century, this is an “unlisted building of merit”, contributing to the unified townscape and the prevailing character of the Westbourne Conservation Area.
News Source: Evening Standard
A significant amount of smoke is billowing from the building
(Image: David Hooson)
12 August 2019 (03:51) - Former pub wrecked as 60 firefighters tackle blaze next to A41
Around 60 firefighters have been tackling a blaze at a disused pub this morning which shut the A41 for more than three hours. The fire gutted the Countess's Arms pub at Weston Heath, between Newport and Tong, after breaking out in the early hours. Firefighters were forced to fight the flames from the outside of the building only after the roof fell in.
The alarm was raised by a passer-by driving on the A41, who phoned 999.at 3.51am. Crews arriving at the fire found the old pub well alight with flames through the roof and windows shattered from the intense heat. It is believed that there was no-one inside the building. The main trunk road was shut for more than three hours and drivers were forced to make diversions through Damson Lane and King Street in Weston Heath while the emergency services fought to contain the blaze. At the fire's height, there were 11 fire crews at the scene and flames and smoke could be seen for miles around.
Simon Hardiman, from Shropshire Fire and Rescue Service, said that for the safety of firefighters the operation was restricted to fighting the blaze from the outside. "We are using the aerial ladder platform to fight the fire," he said. Due to the structure of the building and firefighter safety, to prevent any injuries we are working from the exterior only. There is significant damage to the pub." The A41 reopened just after 7.30am. The fire is now under control but fire crews will be at the scene for much of the day. "I believe the pub has been shut for some years and we had to gain specialised cutting equipment to get our fire engines onto the pub car park to get them off the A41. Getting water to the site was also an issue." He said special fire investigation officers were on scene this morning.
Reporter Mat Growcott described the scene on Twitter: “Smell of smoke is still thick outside The Countess's Arms on the A41 near Newport. 60 firefighters were here a few hours ago, but the work is far from over. The roof is gone and the windows are pitch black. The shell has held up surprisingly well, incredibly. Still a mad amount of smoke as firefighters shoot water into the building. Rubble flies off as it gets blasted with water. It has been too dangerous to send anybody into the building yet, so the full extent of the damage is unknown. That makes it hard to say what started it, although firefighters aren't ruling anything out. Neighbours tell me the first they knew about the fire was when they woke up this morning and there was no water pressure. One of the risks of rural, disused pubs is it takes someone driving by to notice a blaze.”
The pub was formerly known as The Plough Inn. The age of the building is not certain, but it was shown as an inn on the 1880 OS map (published 1884). It is possible that it was a farmhouse in its earlier days. The pub was bought in 1998 by the Earl of Bradford and turned into a gastro-pub. In 2008 the owners wanted to build a two-storey extension providing 22 bedrooms. They claimed they had received a number of inquiries about the availability of accommodation from passing travellers using the A41 and customers using the pub for meals or functions. Planning permission was granted for the £1.5 million transformation, but the pub closed in 2009 and has been empty and fenced off ever since.
News Source: Shropshire Star
The alarm was raised by a passer-by driving on the A41, who phoned 999.at 3.51am. Crews arriving at the fire found the old pub well alight with flames through the roof and windows shattered from the intense heat. It is believed that there was no-one inside the building. The main trunk road was shut for more than three hours and drivers were forced to make diversions through Damson Lane and King Street in Weston Heath while the emergency services fought to contain the blaze. At the fire's height, there were 11 fire crews at the scene and flames and smoke could be seen for miles around.
Simon Hardiman, from Shropshire Fire and Rescue Service, said that for the safety of firefighters the operation was restricted to fighting the blaze from the outside. "We are using the aerial ladder platform to fight the fire," he said. Due to the structure of the building and firefighter safety, to prevent any injuries we are working from the exterior only. There is significant damage to the pub." The A41 reopened just after 7.30am. The fire is now under control but fire crews will be at the scene for much of the day. "I believe the pub has been shut for some years and we had to gain specialised cutting equipment to get our fire engines onto the pub car park to get them off the A41. Getting water to the site was also an issue." He said special fire investigation officers were on scene this morning.
Reporter Mat Growcott described the scene on Twitter: “Smell of smoke is still thick outside The Countess's Arms on the A41 near Newport. 60 firefighters were here a few hours ago, but the work is far from over. The roof is gone and the windows are pitch black. The shell has held up surprisingly well, incredibly. Still a mad amount of smoke as firefighters shoot water into the building. Rubble flies off as it gets blasted with water. It has been too dangerous to send anybody into the building yet, so the full extent of the damage is unknown. That makes it hard to say what started it, although firefighters aren't ruling anything out. Neighbours tell me the first they knew about the fire was when they woke up this morning and there was no water pressure. One of the risks of rural, disused pubs is it takes someone driving by to notice a blaze.”
The pub was formerly known as The Plough Inn. The age of the building is not certain, but it was shown as an inn on the 1880 OS map (published 1884). It is possible that it was a farmhouse in its earlier days. The pub was bought in 1998 by the Earl of Bradford and turned into a gastro-pub. In 2008 the owners wanted to build a two-storey extension providing 22 bedrooms. They claimed they had received a number of inquiries about the availability of accommodation from passing travellers using the A41 and customers using the pub for meals or functions. Planning permission was granted for the £1.5 million transformation, but the pub closed in 2009 and has been empty and fenced off ever since.
News Source: Shropshire Star
The scene of the fire at The Countess's Arms. (Photo: @SFRS_SHardiman)
Photographed as lot 16 of 1917 sale of Lilleshall House & Estate taken from sales catalogue. Owner: Duke of Sutherland. Inn, farm buildings, stabling, hay barn, complete with cottage in Damson Lane and 32 acres of land.
The Plough Inn (Countess's Arms) appears on the 1884 OS Map that was surveyed in 1880.
11 August 2019 (15:30*) - Fire breaks out at Chester's Wetherspoons after someone shoved cigarette in intercom
Fire crews were called to a Chester pub this afternoon after someone had 'shoved' a cigarette into an intercom. Cheshire Fire and Rescue were called to the Square Bottle, Wetherspoons pub on Foregate Street, in Chester city centre shortly after 3.30pm. A staff member from the pub said the fire crews were called as a precautionary measure because "someone had shoved a cigarette into the intercom and it was smouldering." Crews used a hose reel jet on a duct by the front door of the premises to put the fire out. Those inside the pub during the incident were evacuated for their safety.
The Square Bottle pub occupies 78-94 Foregate Street. The building is Grade II listed and was built in 1904 – 5 as a Cooperative department store. It was designed by Douglas and Minshull but its design shocked the City Council Improvement Committee; the partial leaded glazing was the price paid for their approval. The building was extended in 1914 and was converted into a row of shops in the 1980s.
News Source: Cheshire Live
The Square Bottle pub occupies 78-94 Foregate Street. The building is Grade II listed and was built in 1904 – 5 as a Cooperative department store. It was designed by Douglas and Minshull but its design shocked the City Council Improvement Committee; the partial leaded glazing was the price paid for their approval. The building was extended in 1914 and was converted into a row of shops in the 1980s.
News Source: Cheshire Live
Fire crews were called to The Square Bottle in Chester. Picture by John Murray.
Listing Details
|
Entry Name: 78-94, Foregate Street
Listing Date: 23 July 1998 Last Amended: 11 September 2000 Grade: II Source: Historic England Source ID: 1375805 English Heritage Legacy ID: 469784 Location: Cheshire West and Chester, CH1 County: Cheshire West and Chester Electoral Ward/Division: Chester City 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: 53.1913 / 53°11'28"N Longitude: -2.8843 / 2°53'3"W OS Eastings: 341009 OS Northings: 366391 OS Grid: SJ410663 Mapcode National: GBR 7B.2V65 Mapcode Global: WH88F.N1PS |
11 August 2019 (05:32) - Firefighters rescue man out of window at The Old Star pub in Winsford
Firefighters rescued a man from a fire at The Old Star pub in Winsford in the early hours of the morning. Four fire engines from Winsford, Northwich, Crewe and Tarporley were sent to the pub in Swanlow Lane at 5.32am to find the premises on fire. Firefighters immediately set about rescuing a man from an upstairs window and had to break the window to get him out. The man has now been sent to hospital.
A spokesman for Cheshire Fire Service said: “Firefighters were called to reports of a fire in a pub on Swanlow Lane, Winsford. The fire appeared to be coming from a tumble dryer, and crews immediately set about rescuing one male from an upstairs window, who was then passed to the care of paramedics and taken to hospital to be treated for smoke inhalation. The fire was quickly brought under control and extinguished by six firefighters wearing breathing apparatus and using three hose reel jets. An investigation into the fire is under way, and a road closure on Swanlow Lane has remained in place while crews check for further hotspots throughout the premises.”
The pub dates back to at least the 18th century, when ‘The Old Star’ was called The Starr. It subsequently became the ‘Old Star’ in the mid 19th century and remained so until 1969 when it was changed to the ‘Star Inn’, it then reverted back to being ‘The Old Star’ in the 1990s.
News Source: Winsford and Middlewich Guardian
A spokesman for Cheshire Fire Service said: “Firefighters were called to reports of a fire in a pub on Swanlow Lane, Winsford. The fire appeared to be coming from a tumble dryer, and crews immediately set about rescuing one male from an upstairs window, who was then passed to the care of paramedics and taken to hospital to be treated for smoke inhalation. The fire was quickly brought under control and extinguished by six firefighters wearing breathing apparatus and using three hose reel jets. An investigation into the fire is under way, and a road closure on Swanlow Lane has remained in place while crews check for further hotspots throughout the premises.”
The pub dates back to at least the 18th century, when ‘The Old Star’ was called The Starr. It subsequently became the ‘Old Star’ in the mid 19th century and remained so until 1969 when it was changed to the ‘Star Inn’, it then reverted back to being ‘The Old Star’ in the 1990s.
News Source: Winsford and Middlewich Guardian
Firefighters rescue man out of window at The Old Star pub in Winsford
Building History
(Researched by Heritage & Ecclesiastical Fire Protection / Tony Bostock / Paul Hurley)
According to Cowdroy’s Directory of Cheshire, 1789, a ‘Mr Darlington’ was the inn-keeper and three years later ‘the Starr’ was owned by James Tomkinson, Esquire, of Bostock Hall, and occupied by ‘Widow Darlington’ who paid a land tax of 11s 8d. In 1803, two years before the Battle of Trafalgar, Samuel Buckley was the owner and occupier of ‘The Star’ and paid a land tax of 9s 9d. In the mid-nineteenth century census returns (from 1841) and a survey known as the Tithe Apportionment in 1840 give us some detailed information.
In 1841 the ‘beer house’ was owned by John Baker, senior, and occupied by John Prince and his wife. At that time, alongside, on what is now the car park there were a number of cottages owned by Baker and occupied by William Foster and others according to the tithe return. These tenants also had the use of the gardens on the opposite side of the road now a grassed area.
In 1851 John Prince, (born in Tarporley in 1816) was still the occupant of the ‘Old Star’. In the neighbouring cottages, William Foster, a salt boiler, lived in one of these cottages with his wife and their three children, whilst next door lived labourer Joseph Sproston, his wife and their two children. In 1854 and in 1856 John Baker is recorded as the owner and John Prince operated the beer house and paid a tax of 4 shillings and then 4s 6d.
In 1861 John Prince and his sixty-years old wife, Ann, are listed as beer retailers at the ‘Old Star’. In 1871 George Hamlet, a thirty-eight years old local man, ran the public house with his wife Elizabeth. He also farmed 53 acres of land nearby employing nine men and nine boys. Living in the Old Star with him were his seven children and two servants. About this time a George Cross of Sandiway was the owner of the premises.
In 1881 thirty-nine years old Joseph Viggor was the beer retailer at the ‘Old Star’. He lived here with his wife, Sarah, and their three infant children and a fifteen years old female domestic servant. Joseph’s father, also named Joseph, was the licensee of the ‘Blue Bell’ public house that stood next door to the church. He was licensee of the Blue Bell from 1851 until 1885 when his daughter Ellen took it over and kept it until 1928. In 1891 Peter Bates, who was born in Darnhall in 1830, was the publican. He lived at the Old Star, which was number 47 Swanlow Lane, with his wife, Fanny, and their eight children.
In 1892 the mantle of licensee was placed upon the shoulders of Joseph Fletcher. It is his name that adorns the board at the front of the pub in one of the oldest photographs taken of it. Joseph was a married man and lived at the pub with his wife Elizabeth and whilst there, they started to raise a family. The life of a licensee caring for a pub in a quiet part of Over was not too difficult; the pub was a happy one and catered for farmers from the area and people from the cottages along the lane. There would also be a steady trickle of passing trade coming from the road to Nantwich that passed the front door. But as time went by Joseph became less and less happy with the cards that fate had dealt him.
On the 7th of April 1913, after 21 years at the helm, Joseph tied one end of a scarf around the cast iron bed post and the other end around his neck committing suicide. His young son Harry found him and tried to cut him down with a knife, the knife was blunt however and he had to seek his mothers help. By then it was too late to save Joseph and Elizabeth was left alone to care for Harry. The family remained at the pub and Elizabeth took over the licence, it wasn’t long however before she re-married and with her new husband remained at the Star.
The spectre of tragedy however had not left the Star with the death of Joseph. Not long after the birth of Nancy, Elizabeth fell down the cellar steps causing a serious head injury from which she died in hospital a short time later. Amanda Charlesworth took over the pub in 1923 and remained as licensee until 1969. Frederick Kendrick then took over and decided upon a name change out went the Star Inn and in came The Old Star, the name that it trades under today.
In October 2002, Deborah Capper who, with her partner Mark Massey, ran The Old Star at that time, experienced a ghostly encounter. In the early hours of the morning after washing up the glasses of the night before, Deborah saw a young boy walk along the landing. She said that she saw him clearly; he was dressed in a floor length old fashioned night shirt and he had collar length dark hair that covered most of his face. Has a child fitting that description died in the building? It wasn’t young Harry who tried to save his father; he died of old age in America. Is there another secret that the Star Inn or The Old Star is keeping to itself, at least for the time being!
(Researched by Heritage & Ecclesiastical Fire Protection / Tony Bostock / Paul Hurley)
According to Cowdroy’s Directory of Cheshire, 1789, a ‘Mr Darlington’ was the inn-keeper and three years later ‘the Starr’ was owned by James Tomkinson, Esquire, of Bostock Hall, and occupied by ‘Widow Darlington’ who paid a land tax of 11s 8d. In 1803, two years before the Battle of Trafalgar, Samuel Buckley was the owner and occupier of ‘The Star’ and paid a land tax of 9s 9d. In the mid-nineteenth century census returns (from 1841) and a survey known as the Tithe Apportionment in 1840 give us some detailed information.
In 1841 the ‘beer house’ was owned by John Baker, senior, and occupied by John Prince and his wife. At that time, alongside, on what is now the car park there were a number of cottages owned by Baker and occupied by William Foster and others according to the tithe return. These tenants also had the use of the gardens on the opposite side of the road now a grassed area.
In 1851 John Prince, (born in Tarporley in 1816) was still the occupant of the ‘Old Star’. In the neighbouring cottages, William Foster, a salt boiler, lived in one of these cottages with his wife and their three children, whilst next door lived labourer Joseph Sproston, his wife and their two children. In 1854 and in 1856 John Baker is recorded as the owner and John Prince operated the beer house and paid a tax of 4 shillings and then 4s 6d.
In 1861 John Prince and his sixty-years old wife, Ann, are listed as beer retailers at the ‘Old Star’. In 1871 George Hamlet, a thirty-eight years old local man, ran the public house with his wife Elizabeth. He also farmed 53 acres of land nearby employing nine men and nine boys. Living in the Old Star with him were his seven children and two servants. About this time a George Cross of Sandiway was the owner of the premises.
In 1881 thirty-nine years old Joseph Viggor was the beer retailer at the ‘Old Star’. He lived here with his wife, Sarah, and their three infant children and a fifteen years old female domestic servant. Joseph’s father, also named Joseph, was the licensee of the ‘Blue Bell’ public house that stood next door to the church. He was licensee of the Blue Bell from 1851 until 1885 when his daughter Ellen took it over and kept it until 1928. In 1891 Peter Bates, who was born in Darnhall in 1830, was the publican. He lived at the Old Star, which was number 47 Swanlow Lane, with his wife, Fanny, and their eight children.
In 1892 the mantle of licensee was placed upon the shoulders of Joseph Fletcher. It is his name that adorns the board at the front of the pub in one of the oldest photographs taken of it. Joseph was a married man and lived at the pub with his wife Elizabeth and whilst there, they started to raise a family. The life of a licensee caring for a pub in a quiet part of Over was not too difficult; the pub was a happy one and catered for farmers from the area and people from the cottages along the lane. There would also be a steady trickle of passing trade coming from the road to Nantwich that passed the front door. But as time went by Joseph became less and less happy with the cards that fate had dealt him.
On the 7th of April 1913, after 21 years at the helm, Joseph tied one end of a scarf around the cast iron bed post and the other end around his neck committing suicide. His young son Harry found him and tried to cut him down with a knife, the knife was blunt however and he had to seek his mothers help. By then it was too late to save Joseph and Elizabeth was left alone to care for Harry. The family remained at the pub and Elizabeth took over the licence, it wasn’t long however before she re-married and with her new husband remained at the Star.
The spectre of tragedy however had not left the Star with the death of Joseph. Not long after the birth of Nancy, Elizabeth fell down the cellar steps causing a serious head injury from which she died in hospital a short time later. Amanda Charlesworth took over the pub in 1923 and remained as licensee until 1969. Frederick Kendrick then took over and decided upon a name change out went the Star Inn and in came The Old Star, the name that it trades under today.
In October 2002, Deborah Capper who, with her partner Mark Massey, ran The Old Star at that time, experienced a ghostly encounter. In the early hours of the morning after washing up the glasses of the night before, Deborah saw a young boy walk along the landing. She said that she saw him clearly; he was dressed in a floor length old fashioned night shirt and he had collar length dark hair that covered most of his face. Has a child fitting that description died in the building? It wasn’t young Harry who tried to save his father; he died of old age in America. Is there another secret that the Star Inn or The Old Star is keeping to itself, at least for the time being!
Near Miss
10 August 2019 (22:45) - Apprentice Boys hall attacked with petrol bombs during disorder after parade
10 August 2019 (22:45) - Apprentice Boys hall attacked with petrol bombs during disorder after parade
Police and the Apprentice Boys Memorial Hall were attacked with petrol bombs in Londonderry on Saturday night. The attacks followed the annual Apprentice Boys parade in the city on Saturday. Around 10.45pm police received a report that two petrol bombs had been thrown close the Apprentice Boys Memorial Hall on Society Street. Police were deployed to the area and were attacked by people who threw 15-20 petrol bombs and other missiles in the area of Fahan Steet. A number of pallets were also placed on the street and set on fire.
Superintendent Gordon McCalmont said that nobody had been injured in either attack. “Last night the Memorial Hall was busy with people socialising after the parade in the City and, while no one was injured, this could have been much different had it not been for the actions of police," he said. "Fortunately, no injuries were sustained by officers, but this violent behaviour cannot be tolerated. Calm was restored shortly after 1am and Police remained in the area and monitored the situation throughout the night. A thorough police investigation is now underway to identify those responsible and seek to bring them before the courts and I would appeal to anyone who has any information about what happened last night to contact police. Alternatively information can also be provided to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”
The Apprentice Boys Memorial Hall is best known as the headquarters of the Apprentice Boys of Derry and is affectionately known as “The Mem”. The hall is Grade B+ listed. Building commenced in 1873 and it was extended along Society Street in 1937. The hall is an architecturally important building within the walled city. It lies within the “Historic City Conservation Area.”
The Apprentice Boys have as their only function the continuation of the memory of the ’brave thirteen’ original ’apprentice boys’ who, on December 7 1688, shut the gates of the city against the advance of soldiers loyal to James II.
News Source: Belfast Telegraph Digital
Superintendent Gordon McCalmont said that nobody had been injured in either attack. “Last night the Memorial Hall was busy with people socialising after the parade in the City and, while no one was injured, this could have been much different had it not been for the actions of police," he said. "Fortunately, no injuries were sustained by officers, but this violent behaviour cannot be tolerated. Calm was restored shortly after 1am and Police remained in the area and monitored the situation throughout the night. A thorough police investigation is now underway to identify those responsible and seek to bring them before the courts and I would appeal to anyone who has any information about what happened last night to contact police. Alternatively information can also be provided to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”
The Apprentice Boys Memorial Hall is best known as the headquarters of the Apprentice Boys of Derry and is affectionately known as “The Mem”. The hall is Grade B+ listed. Building commenced in 1873 and it was extended along Society Street in 1937. The hall is an architecturally important building within the walled city. It lies within the “Historic City Conservation Area.”
The Apprentice Boys have as their only function the continuation of the memory of the ’brave thirteen’ original ’apprentice boys’ who, on December 7 1688, shut the gates of the city against the advance of soldiers loyal to James II.
News Source: Belfast Telegraph Digital
The Apprentice Boys Memorial Hall in Londonderry
Listing Details
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HB Ref No: HB01/19/011
Extent of Listing: Hall Date of Construction: 1860 - 1879 Address : Apprentice Boys Memorial Hall 13 Society Street Londonderry County Londonderry BT48 6PJ Townland: LONDONDERRY Survey 2: B+ Date of Listing: 26/02/1979 Current Use: Hall Former Use Hall Conservation Area: Yes |
Coordinates
OS Map No: 36-8NW IG Ref: C4331 1664 |
9 August 2019 (16:00*) - Lightning strikes house and sets fire to roof in Embleton
A house has been hit by lightning during a storm passing over the region at around 4pm on Friday. The storm hit the coastal village of Embleton on the Northumberland coast. Pictures show the shocking damage caused when the lightning strike started a fire in the roof of the home, which is believed to have been used as a holiday let. Five fire engines from Alnwick, Seahouses, Belford, Berwick and Amble, and the aerial ladder platform from Gosforth stations were all at the scene. Northumberland Fire and Rescue crews used hose reels to put out the fire which left a large hole in the roof and caused damage to an attic room. Nobody was injured and firefighters were stood down just after 10.30pm.
Although built only in the 1940s, this small row of cottages, known as The Villas lie within the Embleton Conservation Area where they are specifically noted as unlisted buildings of architectural interest and described as a “good buildings from this period.”
News Source: Chronicle Live
Although built only in the 1940s, this small row of cottages, known as The Villas lie within the Embleton Conservation Area where they are specifically noted as unlisted buildings of architectural interest and described as a “good buildings from this period.”
News Source: Chronicle Live
Firefighters at a house in Northumberland which had been hit by lightning (Image: Steve Miller)
8 August 2019 (20:00*) - Firefighters tackle blaze at former Fife hotel
Firefighters were called to extinguish a blaze at a former Fife hotel last night (Thursday). Scottish Fire and Rescue Service sent three crews - two from Glenrothes and one from Kirkcaldy - to tackle the fire at the derelict Rescobie House Hotel in Leslie. They arrived at the scene at around 8pm to discover the roof of the building was well alight. But firefighters were able to bring the blaze under control in around an hour, shortly before 9pm. A spokeswoman for the fire service said no-one was injured in the incident and it is not known what caused the fire.
The former hotel was previously destroyed by a fire in the Spring of 2017 and in August that same year, a listed building consent application was submitted to have the building torn down. However, the demolition proposals were later withdrawn.
The building is a Category C listed, designed by McKay and Scott and built in 1928.
News Source: Fife Today
The former hotel was previously destroyed by a fire in the Spring of 2017 and in August that same year, a listed building consent application was submitted to have the building torn down. However, the demolition proposals were later withdrawn.
The building is a Category C listed, designed by McKay and Scott and built in 1928.
News Source: Fife Today
Fire crews in attendance
Listing Details
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Entry Name: Valley Drive, Rescobie Hotel with Terrace Walls, Sundial, Gatepiers and Boundary Walls
Listing Date: 22 December 1994 Category: C Source: Historic Scotland Source ID: 382419 Historic Scotland Designation Reference: LB37345 Building Class: Cultural Location: Leslie County: Fife Town: Leslie Electoral Ward: Glenrothes North, Leslie and Markinch Traditional County: Fife |
Coordinates
Latitude: 56.1994 / 56°11'57"N Longitude: -3.216 / 3°12'57"W OS Eastings: 324651 OS Northings: 701420 OS Grid: NO246014 Mapcode National: GBR 27.FHF7 Mapcode Global: WH6RF.KFST |
7 August 2019 (18:36) - Fire breaks out at Springfield Mills flats in Keighley
Two people have been treated for smoke inhalation after a fire broke out at a block of flats. Firefighters from Keighley, Shipley and Bingley attended the blaze at Springfield Mills, in Oakworth Road, Keighley, at 6.36pm on Wednesday. The blaze was confined to the kitchen and crews used breathing apparatus, a hose reel and positive pressure ventiliation to extinguish the fire.
Springfield Mill was built in about 1870 by James Collingham and bought in 1879 by Smith & McLaren. When Walter SB McLaren withdrew from the partnership, Sir Swire Smith continued the business becoming Swire Smith & Brothers, worsted spinners. It later became Wolsey Ltd, hosiery manufacturers. Wolsey is the oldest British menswear brand. Established in 1755 by Henry and Ann Wood, Wolsey’s heritage dates back to the emergence of the ‘cottage industry’ where businesses and manufacturing activities were carried out in people's homes.
News Source: The Telegraph and Argus
Springfield Mill was built in about 1870 by James Collingham and bought in 1879 by Smith & McLaren. When Walter SB McLaren withdrew from the partnership, Sir Swire Smith continued the business becoming Swire Smith & Brothers, worsted spinners. It later became Wolsey Ltd, hosiery manufacturers. Wolsey is the oldest British menswear brand. Established in 1755 by Henry and Ann Wood, Wolsey’s heritage dates back to the emergence of the ‘cottage industry’ where businesses and manufacturing activities were carried out in people's homes.
News Source: The Telegraph and Argus
Springfield Mills, in Oakworth Road, Keighley
7 August 2019 (16:50*) - Arson suspected on former School
Fire crews were called to a fire at the former Somerset Bridge school at Hamp Bridge yesterday (August 7) at around 4.50pm. The site has been left derelict and badly vandalised over the last few years since it closed and it is believed that the fire which was started at one of the outbuildings deliberately. Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service received reports of smoke issuing from a derelict building at the above location. Fire control immediately mobilised two fire appliances from Bridgwater.
On arrival the incident commander confirmed smoke and flames issuing and due to poor water supply made up for the water bowser which was also sent from Bridgwater. The fire involved a single storey derelict building measuring approx. 20m x 10m. Crews got to work extinguishing the fire using one 45mm jet and one hose reel jet. At 1713hrs crews were using two hose reel jets, one 45mm jet and one thermal imaging camera to detect any further hotspots and fire spread. At 1741hrs the fire was confirmed to be out. The fire involved a single storey derelict building that caused 40% damage to the entire building. The fire was extinguished using two hose reel jets, one 45mm jet, one thermal imaging camera, drag forks and ceiling hooks. Police were informed as the cause of the fire was believed to be deliberate.
The county school at Somerset Bridge, opened in 1903, had 168 pupils in 1910, 160 in 1915, and 192 in 1935. In 1983 there were 102 children on the register. The historic building, which has been closed since 2010, will be demolished to make way for nine new homes after plans were approved in December 2018.
News Source: Bridgewater Mercury
On arrival the incident commander confirmed smoke and flames issuing and due to poor water supply made up for the water bowser which was also sent from Bridgwater. The fire involved a single storey derelict building measuring approx. 20m x 10m. Crews got to work extinguishing the fire using one 45mm jet and one hose reel jet. At 1713hrs crews were using two hose reel jets, one 45mm jet and one thermal imaging camera to detect any further hotspots and fire spread. At 1741hrs the fire was confirmed to be out. The fire involved a single storey derelict building that caused 40% damage to the entire building. The fire was extinguished using two hose reel jets, one 45mm jet, one thermal imaging camera, drag forks and ceiling hooks. Police were informed as the cause of the fire was believed to be deliberate.
The county school at Somerset Bridge, opened in 1903, had 168 pupils in 1910, 160 in 1915, and 192 in 1935. In 1983 there were 102 children on the register. The historic building, which has been closed since 2010, will be demolished to make way for nine new homes after plans were approved in December 2018.
News Source: Bridgewater Mercury
Part of the former Somerset Bridge School in Hamp Bridge
7 August 2019 (01:55) - Pub closed after being 'gutted' by 'serious fire'
A pub near Melbourne, Derbyshire has closed due to a fire. A resident described seeing flames from the back of The Bulls Head, in Main Street, Wilson, on the night of Wednesday, August 7. It has been closed since. Crews from Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service attended the scene for around 17 hours after they were called out to ensure the site was safe. According to firefighters, a small amount of damage was done to the roof and the rest of the building was affected by smoke.
In a Facebook post on the Bulls Head Wilson page, owners said the fire has "gutted the pub". They wrote: "Ian and Jo are sorry to inform you all that The Bulls Head Wilson is closed due to a very serious fire that has gutted the pub. We are not sure when we will be back open but hopefully we will get it up and running as soon as possible. Thank you all for your support."
A spokesperson for Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service said they received a call at 1.55am on Wednesday, August 7, to reports of a "public house involved in a fire". They added: "Castle Donington and Coalville crews were in attendance along with East Midlands Ambulance Service. The fire was extinguished and crews stayed until 7.15pm to ensure there weren't any hot spots in the area at risk of igniting. Roof tiles were removed to identify roof damage. There is 20% of damage to the roof area. The rest of the property was affected by smoke." The cause of the fire has not yet been confirmed by the fire service.
A reporter, who visited the pub earlier, said she could not see any visible damage to the building from the road but reported a burning smell which still lingers in the air. A resident of Main Street, who did not wish to be named, said: “We were stood outside when it happened. There weren’t any flames I could see but there was a lot of smoke. I think it’s more smoke damage.” Another resident said: “It was about two o’clock in the morning, I could see the flames coming from the back of the building. There were three fire engines outside.” There is a sign outside the premises which reads: 'Sorry we closed due to fire damage.'
The timber framed Bulls Head was formerly known as the Fox and Hounds Inn dates from the early 1700s It is designated as a “Principal unlisted building of architectural or historic interest which makes a positive contribution to the streetscape of the Wilson Conservation Area.”
News Source: Derbyshire Live
In a Facebook post on the Bulls Head Wilson page, owners said the fire has "gutted the pub". They wrote: "Ian and Jo are sorry to inform you all that The Bulls Head Wilson is closed due to a very serious fire that has gutted the pub. We are not sure when we will be back open but hopefully we will get it up and running as soon as possible. Thank you all for your support."
A spokesperson for Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service said they received a call at 1.55am on Wednesday, August 7, to reports of a "public house involved in a fire". They added: "Castle Donington and Coalville crews were in attendance along with East Midlands Ambulance Service. The fire was extinguished and crews stayed until 7.15pm to ensure there weren't any hot spots in the area at risk of igniting. Roof tiles were removed to identify roof damage. There is 20% of damage to the roof area. The rest of the property was affected by smoke." The cause of the fire has not yet been confirmed by the fire service.
A reporter, who visited the pub earlier, said she could not see any visible damage to the building from the road but reported a burning smell which still lingers in the air. A resident of Main Street, who did not wish to be named, said: “We were stood outside when it happened. There weren’t any flames I could see but there was a lot of smoke. I think it’s more smoke damage.” Another resident said: “It was about two o’clock in the morning, I could see the flames coming from the back of the building. There were three fire engines outside.” There is a sign outside the premises which reads: 'Sorry we closed due to fire damage.'
The timber framed Bulls Head was formerly known as the Fox and Hounds Inn dates from the early 1700s It is designated as a “Principal unlisted building of architectural or historic interest which makes a positive contribution to the streetscape of the Wilson Conservation Area.”
News Source: Derbyshire Live
The pub, in Main Street, Wilson, has been closed since Wednesday (Image: Derby Telegraph)
Near Miss
6 August 2019 (21:08) - 'Flames were billowing out' - Shocked neighbours on moment fire engulfed home
6 August 2019 (21:08) - 'Flames were billowing out' - Shocked neighbours on moment fire engulfed home
Billowing flames could be seen by a street of concerned neighbours when a converted barn in Finningham, Suffolk, was gutted by a fire. Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service were called shortly after 9pm on Tuesday with reports of a house fire in Gislingham Road. A total of 15 crews from across the region, including two from Norfolk, were called to the scene last night to discover a converted barn engulfed in flames. The blaze is thought to have gone through the roof and spread throughout the house, which was fully alight when firefighters arrived. Two crews were sent out again on August 7 to dowse areas continuing to smoulder and a further inspection will be carried out later this afternoon.
Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service mobilised the following fire appliances: 1 from Diss, 1 from Harleston, 1 from Woodbridge, 1 from Framlingham, 1 from Stradbroke, 1 from Eye, 1 from Debenham, 1 from Needham Market, 1 from Stowmarket, 2 from Haverhill, 2 from Bury St Edmunds, 1 from Elmswell, 2 from Ixworth
Karen Hudgell, who lives just metres from the scene, said: "Even from my garden you could see the flames billowing out to the top of the building. I got a call from a friend in Bacton telling me about it, she told me to get a dressing gown on and get outside. It was after the first fire engine arrived that I got out there I saw a group of the neighbours already watching what was happening." The barn was close to a number of other homes, as well as an open field to the rear of the property, prompting fears of a potential field fire.
Mrs Hudgell added: "The real worry was the wind because the barn only had a small garden behind it and then it was the field - we didn't want the situation to get any worse than it already was. We called the rest of the houses to make sure everyone nearby knew what was happening and to make sure they were okay. People have been offering out spare rooms to help out. It's just what you do in these situations. The neighbour who lives opposite the fire said she had come home maybe 30 minutes before fire engines turned up in our road, so that fire must have taken hold pretty quickly."
The fire had left windows shattered throughout the property, a gaping hole in the roof and belongings left inside charred. A spokeswoman for the fire service said there is no indication anybody was hurt in the blaze. The cause of the fire is not known. Jackie Atter, who also lives in Gislingham Road was taken by surprise when a fire engine parked on her driveway, almost 100m from the scene. We thought the house opposite was in trouble, then it turned out to be the one down the road," Mrs Atter said. “Me and my husband were sat in out living room about 10.15pm and we knew we could smell smoke, then we came out and saw the fire service just outside the house." Firefighters had extinguished the fire by 11pm, with work continuing at the scene until after 1am.
The building is an old barn, converted to a house and known as Drivers Farm Barn. It stands just metres away from Grade II listed Drivers Farmhouse, an early to mid 16th century house with 17th and 19th century alterations. The barn would have been associated with the farmhouse, and is therefore an historic building in its own right.
News Source: EADT
Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service mobilised the following fire appliances: 1 from Diss, 1 from Harleston, 1 from Woodbridge, 1 from Framlingham, 1 from Stradbroke, 1 from Eye, 1 from Debenham, 1 from Needham Market, 1 from Stowmarket, 2 from Haverhill, 2 from Bury St Edmunds, 1 from Elmswell, 2 from Ixworth
Karen Hudgell, who lives just metres from the scene, said: "Even from my garden you could see the flames billowing out to the top of the building. I got a call from a friend in Bacton telling me about it, she told me to get a dressing gown on and get outside. It was after the first fire engine arrived that I got out there I saw a group of the neighbours already watching what was happening." The barn was close to a number of other homes, as well as an open field to the rear of the property, prompting fears of a potential field fire.
Mrs Hudgell added: "The real worry was the wind because the barn only had a small garden behind it and then it was the field - we didn't want the situation to get any worse than it already was. We called the rest of the houses to make sure everyone nearby knew what was happening and to make sure they were okay. People have been offering out spare rooms to help out. It's just what you do in these situations. The neighbour who lives opposite the fire said she had come home maybe 30 minutes before fire engines turned up in our road, so that fire must have taken hold pretty quickly."
The fire had left windows shattered throughout the property, a gaping hole in the roof and belongings left inside charred. A spokeswoman for the fire service said there is no indication anybody was hurt in the blaze. The cause of the fire is not known. Jackie Atter, who also lives in Gislingham Road was taken by surprise when a fire engine parked on her driveway, almost 100m from the scene. We thought the house opposite was in trouble, then it turned out to be the one down the road," Mrs Atter said. “Me and my husband were sat in out living room about 10.15pm and we knew we could smell smoke, then we came out and saw the fire service just outside the house." Firefighters had extinguished the fire by 11pm, with work continuing at the scene until after 1am.
The building is an old barn, converted to a house and known as Drivers Farm Barn. It stands just metres away from Grade II listed Drivers Farmhouse, an early to mid 16th century house with 17th and 19th century alterations. The barn would have been associated with the farmhouse, and is therefore an historic building in its own right.
News Source: EADT
It took 15 crews to put the fire out (Credit: Suffolk Fire and Rescue)
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Listing Details
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Entry Name: Drivers Farmhouse
Listing Date: 29 July 1955 Grade: II Source: Historic England Source ID: 1033146 English Heritage Legacy ID: 279466 Location: Finningham, Mid Suffolk, Suffolk, IP14 County: Suffolk Civil Parish: Finningham Built-Up Area: Finningham Traditional County: Suffolk Lieutenancy Area (Ceremonial County): Suffolk Church of England Parish: Finningham St Bartholomew Church of England Diocese: St.Edmundsbury and Ipswich |
Coordinates
Latitude: 52.2855 / 52°17'7"N Longitude: 1.0295 / 1°1'46"E OS Eastings: 606728 OS Northings: 269585 OS Grid: TM067695 Mapcode National: GBR TJT.P2S Mapcode Global: VHKD3.STM9 |
6 August 2019 (15:15) - Massive fire breaks out at Ashton-under-Lyne mill
Dozens of firefighters are battling a blaze at a mill in Ashton-under-Lyne. Crews were called to Oxford Street East, in Guide Bridge, just before 3.15pm on Tuesday. The fire is said to involve the first floor of a commercial building, understood to be within Oxford Mill, which has been evacuated. Photos from nearby show huge plumes of thick grey smoke billowing from the mill. Road closures are in place and people are being urged to avoid the area.
A statement shared on the GMFRS website reads: “At 3.12pm on August 6, 2019, ten fire engines were mobilised to a fire at a commercial unit in Oxford Street East, Ashton-under-Lyne. Fire crew currently in attendance are wearing breathing apparatus to tackle the fire from inside the building using jets. The building was evacuated prior to the arrival of the fire service. Firefighters will continue to carry out a search of the building. The three storey commercial building is now fully involved in fire, and fire has spread to an adjacent building. Eleven pumps are in attendance along with two aerial appliances which are putting water onto the fire from above. A large amount of smoke has been discharged over the local area and is travelling in a north easterly direction towards Saddleworth and Mossley. If you are local to the area please keep your doors and windows closed and avoid the immediate vicinity of the fire to allow our crew to work efficiently.”
Ashton-under-Lyne MP Angela Rayner said in a tweet: “Massive fire has broken out in my constituency this afternoon, many thanks to the many firefighters tackling this huge blaze, as always our community recognises the tremendous work of our brave firefighters and our emergency services. An always grateful MP.”
Paul Etches, GMFRS area manager praised 'hardworking' firefighters who have been working steadily all evening. "We expect to be at the scene into the early hours and have just provided fresh crews to handle the incident," he said. "We have separated the scene into different sectors of firefighting, which is allowing us to focus our efforts on specific pockets and make steady progress. This fire is ongoing. I want to reassure local people that, although there is a lot of smoke in the area and we are still asking nearby residents to keep windows and doors closed, we are continuing to do everything we can to bring this fire fully under control."
A spokesperson for the service said electricity to some local properties has been affected and the council is assisting residents from around 50 homes which will have no power overnight. Stockport Road, the A6017 between Guide Bridge railway station and St Peter’s Church, is closed to traffic. It is likely to remain closed into the morning.
The Oxford Mills is Grade II listed. It was an integrated cotton mill comprising 2 spinning mills either side of a warehouse and office block, with weaving sheds attached to one mill. The first mill is dated 1840, the second, 1851. The warehouse building about 1850. The weaving sheds were possibly a later addition.
The Oxford Mills settlement was founded in 1845 by the local industrialist and mill-owner Hugh Mason who saw it as a model industrial community. The community was provided with a recreational ground, a gymnasium, and an institute containing public baths, a library, and a reading room. Mason estimated that establishing the settlement cost him around £10,000 and would require a further £1,000 a year to maintain (about £600,000 and £60,000 respectively as of 2019), and that its annual mortality rate was significantly lower than in the rest of the town.
News Source: Manchester Evening News
A statement shared on the GMFRS website reads: “At 3.12pm on August 6, 2019, ten fire engines were mobilised to a fire at a commercial unit in Oxford Street East, Ashton-under-Lyne. Fire crew currently in attendance are wearing breathing apparatus to tackle the fire from inside the building using jets. The building was evacuated prior to the arrival of the fire service. Firefighters will continue to carry out a search of the building. The three storey commercial building is now fully involved in fire, and fire has spread to an adjacent building. Eleven pumps are in attendance along with two aerial appliances which are putting water onto the fire from above. A large amount of smoke has been discharged over the local area and is travelling in a north easterly direction towards Saddleworth and Mossley. If you are local to the area please keep your doors and windows closed and avoid the immediate vicinity of the fire to allow our crew to work efficiently.”
Ashton-under-Lyne MP Angela Rayner said in a tweet: “Massive fire has broken out in my constituency this afternoon, many thanks to the many firefighters tackling this huge blaze, as always our community recognises the tremendous work of our brave firefighters and our emergency services. An always grateful MP.”
Paul Etches, GMFRS area manager praised 'hardworking' firefighters who have been working steadily all evening. "We expect to be at the scene into the early hours and have just provided fresh crews to handle the incident," he said. "We have separated the scene into different sectors of firefighting, which is allowing us to focus our efforts on specific pockets and make steady progress. This fire is ongoing. I want to reassure local people that, although there is a lot of smoke in the area and we are still asking nearby residents to keep windows and doors closed, we are continuing to do everything we can to bring this fire fully under control."
A spokesperson for the service said electricity to some local properties has been affected and the council is assisting residents from around 50 homes which will have no power overnight. Stockport Road, the A6017 between Guide Bridge railway station and St Peter’s Church, is closed to traffic. It is likely to remain closed into the morning.
The Oxford Mills is Grade II listed. It was an integrated cotton mill comprising 2 spinning mills either side of a warehouse and office block, with weaving sheds attached to one mill. The first mill is dated 1840, the second, 1851. The warehouse building about 1850. The weaving sheds were possibly a later addition.
The Oxford Mills settlement was founded in 1845 by the local industrialist and mill-owner Hugh Mason who saw it as a model industrial community. The community was provided with a recreational ground, a gymnasium, and an institute containing public baths, a library, and a reading room. Mason estimated that establishing the settlement cost him around £10,000 and would require a further £1,000 a year to maintain (about £600,000 and £60,000 respectively as of 2019), and that its annual mortality rate was significantly lower than in the rest of the town.
News Source: Manchester Evening News
Update 7 August: Firefighters worked through the night battling a huge fire which tore through three buildings at a former cotton mill in Tameside. At the height of the inferno, around 75 firefighters tackled fire at Oxford Mills on Oxford Street East in Ashton-under-Lyne. This morning (Wednesday), 30 firefighters remain at the scene. Pockets of the fire are still burning. An investigation will be launched into the cause once it is out. Firefighters continue to douse the flames with water, some from atop aerial platforms.
Crews raced to the scene at around 3.10pm after one building caught fire. The blaze later spread to adjacent buildings and extra firefighters were called in. Electricity was cut from around 50 nearby homes. The power has now been restored to most of those properties, apart from those on Gibson Terrace, where residents were evacuated. People on that street should be allowed back home later this morning. Sections of all the three buildings partially collapsed as the flames took hold.
A meeting with the emergency services and the council is due to take place at 9am. Jason Rain, group manager for Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS), said: “Our firefighters have done an exceptional job tackling this large-scale fire over quite a long period of time – GMFRS have been on the scene since just after 3pm yesterday afternoon. The three mill structures affected have each caught fire and there is still active firefighting taking place. All three structures have suffered partial collapse and are unstable, so safety cordons are in place across the site. We continue to fight the fire from the ground and above and are also monitoring the potential spread of airborne embers. I would like to thank local residents for their support and co-operation – roughly 50 local people were helped into alternative accommodation by colleagues from Tameside council overnight and it won’t be until mid-morning at the earliest before some are able to return home. It is too early at this stage for us to know the cause of this incident and we expect to remain at the scene throughout the day, damping down the fire and monitoring the site for hotspots.”
Crews raced to the scene at around 3.10pm after one building caught fire. The blaze later spread to adjacent buildings and extra firefighters were called in. Electricity was cut from around 50 nearby homes. The power has now been restored to most of those properties, apart from those on Gibson Terrace, where residents were evacuated. People on that street should be allowed back home later this morning. Sections of all the three buildings partially collapsed as the flames took hold.
A meeting with the emergency services and the council is due to take place at 9am. Jason Rain, group manager for Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS), said: “Our firefighters have done an exceptional job tackling this large-scale fire over quite a long period of time – GMFRS have been on the scene since just after 3pm yesterday afternoon. The three mill structures affected have each caught fire and there is still active firefighting taking place. All three structures have suffered partial collapse and are unstable, so safety cordons are in place across the site. We continue to fight the fire from the ground and above and are also monitoring the potential spread of airborne embers. I would like to thank local residents for their support and co-operation – roughly 50 local people were helped into alternative accommodation by colleagues from Tameside council overnight and it won’t be until mid-morning at the earliest before some are able to return home. It is too early at this stage for us to know the cause of this incident and we expect to remain at the scene throughout the day, damping down the fire and monitoring the site for hotspots.”
A striking image at the site of the fire (Image: Lee Coleman)
Update 7 August p.m.: The fire ravaged buildings of a former cotton mill are being demolished after a devastating blaze tore through the 19th century buildings. Firefighters were still “damping down” pockets of fire and heat this evening as crews began to demolish what was left of the historic mill. Dramatic images show a long arm reach demolition excavator pulling the walls of the building down piece by piece. Meanwhile, a firefighter atop a cherry picker can be seen dousing the building with water as they continue to damp down.
Black smoke continues to billow out from parts of the the buildings. Crews will be working closely with the demolition company as they pull down the affected buildings in sections, allowing firefighters to tackle remaining pockets of fire, Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service said.
Black smoke continues to billow out from parts of the the buildings. Crews will be working closely with the demolition company as they pull down the affected buildings in sections, allowing firefighters to tackle remaining pockets of fire, Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service said.
Listing Details
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Entry Name: The Oxford Mills
Listing Date: 21 July 1993 Grade: II Source: Historic England Source ID: 1084307 English Heritage Legacy ID: 358727 Location: Tameside, OL7 County: Tameside Electoral Ward/Division: St Peter's Built-Up Area: Ashton-under-Lyne Traditional County: Lancashire Lieutenancy Area (Ceremonial County): Greater Manchester Church of England Parish: Ashton-under-Lyne The Good Shepherd Church of England Diocese: Manchester |
Coordinates
Latitude: 53.4779 / 53°28'40"N Longitude: -2.1069 / 2°6'24"W OS Eastings: 393003 OS Northings: 397915 OS Grid: SJ930979 Mapcode National: GBR FXQ6.NZ Mapcode Global: WHB9J.LVY4 |