A derelict building was engulfed by flames and smoke just next door to a family home.
Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service confirmed fire crews were called to Alexandra Drive in Aigburth at 10.23pm yesterday (Friday, January 6). Two fire engines arrived five minutes later with crews being met with an empty three-storey detached house on fire.
Another two fire engines rushed to the scene and provided breathing equipment. Crews worked for a number of hours to put out the blaze, standing down around 2.30am on Saturday, January 7. Firefighters returned periodically to monitor temperatures, with a small quantity of plaster found to be smouldering this morning.
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Crews left the scene for the final time at around 11am on Saturday morning. When asked by the ECHO whether he found the fires concerning, neighbour Dr Craig Hammond, he said: "Yes indeed, the buildings are in such close proximity."
The 51-year-old who lives with his wife, Emma, and grandson, Oscar, seven, said: "I noticed smoke coming from next door just after 10pm last night. 34 Alexandra Drive has been derelict and abandoned for years, and all of the residents here have been petitioning local councillors to make the building more secure."
A Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service spokesperson told the ECHO: "Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service attended an incident on Alexandra Drive in the L17 area of Liverpool on the evening of Friday, January6. Crews were alerted at 22.23 and two fire engines were on scene at 22.28.
"On arrival crews were met with an empty three storey detached property, approximately 30m x 20m involved in fire. A further two fire engines arrived on scene shortly after to provide additional breathing apparatus (BA) support and personnel.
"Crews worked tirelessly through the night to bring the fire under control and the fire was extinguished in the early hours of Saturday, January 7. Firefighters then made progress damping down and checking for hotspots.
"Cadent and Scottish Power were requested to isolate utilities. Cadent requested a dig team to isolate the supply externally and the Cadent and Scottish Power dig teams arrived soon after while firefighters continued to hotspot.
"At approximately 2.30am, it was decided that Fire Service crews would cease activities and reattend at 3.30am and 4.30am respectively, to check for any hotspots. Scottish Power then confirmed that the electricity to the property had been isolated externally, while a full inspection of the property was undertaken with no signs of any hotspots. Crews would reattend at 6am to monitor temperatures.
"Following additional temperature monitoring and an inspection of the property, a small quantity of plaster was found to be smouldering, crews then damped down the affected area with one hose reel jet. After a further comprehensive inspection, which found no signs of any heat or fire, final temperature monitoring checks ensued, before our crews left the scene at 11.02am on the morning of Saturday, January 7."
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