UK
Liverpool fire: Major incident declared as large building ‘showing signs of collapse’
A major incident was declared on Saturday after a huge fire broke out in Liverpool.
A large building was “showing signs of collapse”, Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service (MFRS) said.
A four-storey building measuring 100 metres by 50 metres was “well alight”, firefighters added.
Images on social media showed thick plumes of smoke over the city centre.
Firefighters were called not long after 2pm
Lara Buchanan, a trainee teacher from Liverpool, said she could “feel the heat” of the blaze from her car as she left the Kingsway Tunnel after driving over from the Wirral.
The 23-year-old said: “I could see the fire before entering the tunnel but didn’t know where it was coming from.
“As I came out of the tunnel into Liverpool, the sky was dark and all I could see was a black rolling cloud.
“The building was blazing alight and I could feel the heat from the car driving past.”
Another teacher, 41-year-old Jose Garcia, who has lived in the city for 20 years, said it was the “biggest fire I have seen in Liverpool”.
There was “huge, thick, black smoke going up into the city”, he added.
Another Liverpool resident, who did not want to be named, said smoke “pretty much covered half of the skyline”.
He added: “As soon as I got out of the car I could smell what I can only describe as burning plastic. It was pretty strong and I’m over the water in New Ferry.”
The fire as seen from Everton’s Goodison Park stadium
A dozen fire engines and two aerial appliances were sent to Fox Street after firefighters were called not long after 2pm on Saturday.
“The building is showing signs of collapse and fire crews are evacuating buildings,” MFRS said.
People were advised to avoid the area, while those nearby were being encouraged to close windows and doors.
Police attended to help evacuate the building, while road closures and a cordon were implemented.
The fire was divided into four sectors and firefighters were wearing breathing apparatus, the service said.
There are no reports of any casualties.
Late on Saturday afternoon MFRS said it was no longer a major incident.
“Successful firefighting tactics have resulted in the fire being greatly reduced, with the main body of fire now extinguished,” it said.
In a later update, MFRS said crews were still dealing with “hot spots and small pockets of fire”.
Nearby residents were being allowed to return home.