Skip to content

Firefighters rescue 50 people from flats blaze

Paul Burnell
BBC News
Mat Trewern
BBC News
Jawad M An image of fire and smoke pouring out of the side of a block of flats which is about five storeys tall. The fire is coming from the upper floors.Jawad M
Up to 33 firefighters have been tackling the blaze

Up to 50 people had to be rescued when a fire broke out in a block of flats.

The blaze, in Rynet Court in Marsh House Lane, Warrington, was tackled by more than 30 firefighters.

It broke out at about 17:20 BST, and crews from across Cheshire were called to try to bring the blaze under control.

Cheshire Fire And Rescue Service said people had been unable to get out because the fire had started in the stairwell, and one woman said she had had to pass her six-year-old son to safety from her first floor window.

Firefighters wearing breathing apparatus were sent in to try to bring the fire under control, while a cordon was set up to keep people away from the scene.

Jawad M Image shows a number of fire engines and an aerial ladder platform being used to reach the upper floors of the block of flats, which is about five or six storeys tall. Jawad M
People were reported to have been rescued from the upper floors of the building

Flames and plumes of black smoke could be seen billowing from the building shortly after the fire broke out.

Cheshire Fire And Rescue Service group manager David Rutter said: "It was affecting the stairwell of the property, so as such people couldn't escape. So we carried out numerous rescues using our aerial ladder platforms. Crews were presented with plumes of black smoke, people presenting at windows, and fire on every floor in the stairwell section.

"Crews worked really hard and were able to rescue 50 people from the property."

BBC News Cheshire Fire And Rescue Service group manager David Rutter speaks to a reporter, off camera. He is standing close to a brick wall. Two fire engines can be seen in the background.BBC News
Cheshire Fire And Rescue Service group manager David Rutter said up to 50 people were rescued

A Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service spokesman added: "A total of 50 people have been rescued from the building, including through the windows and balconies of the third and fourth floor.

"North West Ambulance Service triaged and treated those rescued on the scene and thankfully no serious injuries have been reported."

Miguel Cuadrado A view from the window of a building where the fire took place shows fire engines and police cars on the ground, with a large crowd lined up along the opposite road.Miguel Cuadrado
A large crowd gathered as the rescue operation took place

The fire service spokesman added: "At this time it is believed everyone in the building has been accounted for but firefighters will carryout thorough checks.

"The blue light response has been significant, but the number of emergency service resources are being reduced accordingly.

"Fire crews will remain in attendance overnight. Roads in the immediate area will remain closed. An investigation into the cause is underway."

A nearby Territorial Army centre was opened up as a relief accommodation centre.

Read more stories from Cheshire on the BBC, watch BBC North West Tonight on BBC iPlayer and follow BBC North West on X. You can also send story ideas via Whatsapp to 0808 100 2230.

Mat Trewern