Burslem inferno leaves families with nowhere to go as emergency shelter found
Families who have been left with nowhere to go after a huge building fire broke out are being provided with emergency accommodation. Firefighters are continuing to tackle the blaze at a business in Waterloo Road, Burslem, into the night.
It means some nearby residents have been unable to return to their homes. Now Stoke-on-Trent City Council has reassured them that emergency shelter will be be provided.
The news comes as council inspectors are on standby to assess the damage to the building which is still burning at this time. A huge cordon remains in place this evening with residents being warned to stay away and keep all doors and windows closed.
A Stoke-on-Trent City Council spokesman said: "We are at the scene of a large building fire on Waterloo Road, Burslem, to provide on-the-spot support. The fire is located between Baptist Street and Queen Street.
"We have sent a dangerous structure inspection team to assess the safety of the building - which will be carried out once the fire has been put out. We are also assessing the needs of people displaced by the fire to see if they need overnight emergency accommodation.
"Motorists and pedestrians are advised to avoid the area. There is a large amount of smoke in Burslem and people are advised to keep windows closed and stay indoors."
The alarm had been raised after smoke was seen billowing into the sky shortly before 1pm. Seven fire crews, police, ambulances and air ambulance were sent in.
Three people were rescued from a first-floor. The trio - along with two others - were taken to the Royal Stoke University Hospital as a 'precaution' after receiving oxygen therapy at the scene. Nearby homes and commercial premises - including B&M - were also evacuate.
A Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service spokesman said: "We have rescued three people from a flat fire in Stoke-on-Trent. We were called by Staffordshire Police at around 12.45pm today to a business premises on Waterloo Road in Burslem after smoke was seen in the area.
"A total of seven crews were in attendance at the scene. An aerial ladder platform was used to help three people escape the fire from a first floor window after the stairs had been blocked due to smoke.
"They each received oxygen treatment at the scene and they, along with two other people, were taken to hospital by ambulance as a precaution. Firefighters using breathing apparatus continue to actively fight the fire which involves a flat roof area.
"Officers from Staffordshire Police remain at the scene to assist in maintaining a cordon. Part of Burslem town centre and Waterloo Road continue to be affected by smoke. People are being urged to avoid the area and close their windows and doors."
It has not yet been confirmed which business has gone up in flames but eye witness reports suggest it is a sari shop. A Staffordshire Police spokesman said: "We were called at 12.42pm today to a business premises on Waterloo Road in Stoke-on-Trent following reports of a fire. Officers informed colleagues at Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service.
"We closed off Waterloo Road at Mayer Bank while firefighters attended the scene along with paramedics. A number of nearby businesses and homes have been evacuated as a precaution.
"A total of six people have received oxygen treatment and are being assisted by paramedics at the scene. There will continue to be disruption in the area for a number of hours. A cordon remains in place and the public are being urged to avoid the area."
READ MORE: In pictures: 'Burslem filled with smoke' as emergency services battle fire
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