Three fire engines from Penketh, Widnes and Lymm, plus the aerial ladder platform from Lymm.
Details
Shortly before 18:00, North West Fire Control received multiple reports of a serious house fire. On arrival, crews found the whole of a semi-detached brick-built property well alight. Four firefighters wearing breathing apparatus were initially deployed into the house to tackle the fire with hose reel water jets, while main water jets were aimed at the exterior and roof. The firefighters have since been withdrawn owing to the roof becoming unstable and collapsing. External firefighting is ongoing. People are advised to avoid the area while operations continue. Further updates to follow.
UPDATE 20:00 | The fire has been brought under control and crews are damping down and removing roof material. Gas and electricity to the property has been disconnected. An investigation into the cause of the fire will begin once the structure is assessed as being safe to enter. Further updates to follow.
UPDATE 20:40 | The number of appliances has been reduced to three, staffed by relief crews. They are likely to remain at the scene overnight as they continue to damp down. A further update will be provided at 08:30 tomorrow.
17 April
UPDATE 08:45 | A fire engine has remained at the scene overnight, damping down from outside the property. There will be a meeting with building control later this morning to assess the stability of the house.
UPDATE 10:45 | Following the meeting with building control and partner agencies, a limited number of people are being allowed into the house to begin an investigation into the cause of the fire.
UPDATE 14:00 | A fire investigation has been carried out, the cause of the fire is believed to be deliberate and the incident has been handed over to the police. All firefighters have now left the scene. There have been no reported injuries or casualties.
