Fire at retirement complex triggers mass evacuation of elderly

Some 150 people had to be evacuated when a devastating fire broke out at Beechmere supported living complex in Crewe.

More than 70 firefighters worked through the night to tackle a blaze in response to being alerted to a fire in the roof of the complex shortly after 4.30pm yesterday.

Neighbours as well as fire fighters helped get elderly residents out of the burning building which is home to 50 residents.

Lee James, whose grandmother is a resident at Beechmere, entered the burning complex that night to get people out.

"Instincts set in, I just decided I needed to get here", he told the BBC.

"There were a few other gentlemen around the area who helped out, we all went and just did what we could, opening doors and lifting people out.

"I just did what I would expect someone else to do if it was their family members in there."

Police officers helped transport residents to an emergency refuge centre. Within minutes of the blaze being reported, local people had turned up to offer support, donate items and provide lifts for some of those affected by the incident.

Residents from the retirement complex were evacuated and initially taken to nearby rest centres while arrangements for alternative accommodation were made for them. Some of the residents were taken to hospital to be checked over.

Locals living in two streets next to the building also had to be evacuated overnight as a precaution.

Throughout the night, 16 fire engines from Cheshire, Staffordshire, Shropshire and Merseyside were in attendance to get the blaze under control.

This morning Cheshire Fire & Rescue tweeted: ‘We remain at the scene of the residential complex fire in Crewe. Firefighters are still tackling the blaze. The response from the community has been incredible - thank you!’

Layout and access to site ‘hampered’ efforts of fire fighters

Neil Griffiths, who is the fire commander in charge of the incident, said: “This is a substantial fire in a very large and complex building.

“Our efforts have been hampered by the weather, the layout of the site and the access to it but I want to reassure everyone that we are doing all that we can to bring the fire under control as quickly as possible.

"The response from the local community has been amazing and we are very appreciative of their support.”

The Salvation Army and British Red Cross also offered support throughout the night into the morning for residents affected by the incident and firefighters.

Collection points have been set up around the local area for people who want to donate items to help those affected and an online fundraising page has collected more than £10,000 in donations.

Superintendent Pete Crowcroft, who oversees policing in the area, said: “This is a very large fire in a building that is at the heart of the community. Naturally, this will have a significant impact on those living close by and they will clearly be concerned for all those affected.

“But the response shown last night within minutes of the incident being reported was nothing short of remarkable and I want to thank every single person who has helped or offered help in some way.”

Cheshire Police, Cheshire Fire and Rescue, Cheshire East Council, North West Ambulance Service, NHS England, Public Health England and the Environment Agency – are working to support any residents affected.

Mark Palethorpe, acting executive director people, Cheshire East Council, said: “I’d like to take this opportunity to thank the Crewe community for rallying around to support those affected by the terrible fire at Beechmere. The community spirit shown has been overwhelming."