More than 50 firefighters are battling to control a huge fire at a vacant building in Newcastle
Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service (TWFRS) have confirmed their fire control received a call about a fire at Henderson Old Hall, on Etherstone Avenue, in Newcastle.
Their first appliance was on the scene in just 55 seconds of the emergency call and began to tackle the fire.
TWFRS say that more than 50 firefighters, including 10 appliances and two specialist Aerial Ladder Platforms (ALPs) remain on scene to battle the blaze at the grade two listed building.
They said that it is believed the building was vacant, while confirming they have not received reports that anyone is unaccounted for.
Area Manager Dave Leach, of TWFRS said: “This is a significant fire at a building that we don’t believe to be occupied.
“We are not aware of anyone being unaccounted for at this time and our focus now is on bringing this fire under control.
“A cordon is in place and we have nearly 50 firefighters on scene. That includes 10 fire appliances and two specialist ALP vehicles.
“We would ask residents and businesses in the area to keep windows and doors closed as there has been a significant amount of smoke in the air.
“Please respect the cordon that is in place and we are likely to have a presence on site through the evening.”
Northumbria Police have also attended the scene and the North East Ambulance Service are in the area as a precaution.
Police have already confirmed that a male has been arrested on suspicion of arson after they responded to the incident.
Read next:
- Inquest opens into death of pair in Darlington house fire
- Darlington woman, 70, hit by car before it fled the scene
- Middlesbrough newborn Mia attends parents' wedding via livestream
For more quality journalism, subscribe to The Northern Echo for £1.50 a week here.
A Northumbria Police spokesperson said: “Just before 2.30pm today, police received a report of a fire at the old Henderson Hall on Etherstone Avenue, Newcastle.
“Police and colleagues from Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service are currently on scene and a cordon is in place.
“At this time the incident is being treated as suspected arson and police have arrested one male.
"Etherstone Avenue is closed and a diversion is in place. Please avoid the area and use alternate routes where possible.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here