Location: Southport
Fire crews have been called to a fire at a former health centre on the corner of Albert Road and Park Road West in Southport in the early hours of this morning. Crews were alerted at 2.42am and on scene at 2.46am, with four fire engines and two aerial appliances on scene. As part of cross-border mutual support agreements, one of the fire engines attending is from Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service.
Crews arrived to find a four storey building around 20 by 30 metres in size with the upper floor and roof well alight.
The incident has been divided into sectors with the fire being fought from the ground with main branch hoses and from above with the aerial appliances. Merseyside Police are in attendance and have closed both Albert Road and Park Road West.
There is a significant amount of smoke issuing from this incident. Residents and businesses nearby should keep doors and windows closed. If you have an existing health condition, keep medicines nearby and if you experience any symptoms dial NHS 111 for advice.
Please avoid the area.
INCIDENT UPDATE 1.45pm
Fire crews have made good progress in reducing the fire. Three fire engines and an aerial appliance remain on scene and the fire engine from Lancashire has been relieved by an MFRS engine and returned home - many thanks to Lancashire for their assistance. The service drone has been in use to gain situational awareness but has now ceased operations. Gas and electric supply has been isolated to the building and the main body of fire has been extinguished. Crews and the aerial appliance are damping down and checking for hotspots in all sectors. The search and rescue team are on scene and have moved a large boulder to enable the aerial appliance to get closer to the building. Two firefighters wearing breathing apparatus have been committed to the basement area of the building to ensure the fire under the now partially collapsed building is completely extinguished. Some road closures have been lifted but some still remain so please continue to avoid the area if possible.