Council statement as fire-hit families bed down in Jubilee2

Households forced to evacuate after a fire ripped through a block of fats slept on a leisure centre floor. Firefighters were sent to the former Kidsgrove Police Station last night as a blaze spread from a storage room.

An investigation is ongoing into what sparked the fire that impacted seven occupied flats and two empty ones in Ravenscliffe Road. It led to Newcastle Borough Council setting up temporary overnight accommodation at Jubilee2 in Newcastle for households who were unable to return to their apartments.

A total of three people bedded down at the leisure centre, with a fourth joining them in the early hours. Four other people managed to find alternative housing.

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Councillor Gill Heesom, cabinet member for community safety and well-being, said: “The council has a comprehensive civil contingencies plan which is ready to launch into action whenever there is an emergency in the borough.

“Our director on call attended the scene to liaise with the fire service and partner agencies. Because of the time of night, there were no hotels available so a decision was taken to set up a temporary rest centre at Jubilee2 to keep the evacuated residents safe and warm.

“I would like to thank the council staff who answered the call and set up the centre. They stepped up brilliantly; the evacuees were really appreciative of the assistance we provided.

"We hope our guests can return to their homes later today. We will continue to support them if needed over the course of today, and tonight, if necessary.”

The alarm was raised at 7.45pm with crews from Sandyford, Kidsgrove and Biddulph all sent to the scene. A spokesman for Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service said: "Firefighters used breathing apparatus and hose reel jets to tackle the fire, which was contained inside a storage room that was detached from the main flat block.

"Seven flats were evacuated by crews as a precaution while the incident was brought under control. The British Red Cross and Newcastle Borough Council also assisted in ensuring the wellbeing of the residents. Thankfully, no-one was injured. The cause of the fire is currently undetermined."

The block had operated as a police station until November 2012 when officers moved into the town hall. It was subsequently put on the market before being converted into what is now TOPS Apartments.

Anyone with information should call the force on 101.

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