A fierce overnight blaze has torn through the historic Woolton Hall in Liverpool, prompting a massive emergency response and leaving the future of the iconic building hanging in the balance.
Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service confirmed they were inundated with over 35 emergency calls just after 11:30 PM on Tuesday, as flames lit up the night sky. The scale of the inferno demanded a significant response, with ten fire engines and over 60 firefighters deployed to the scene on Woolton Street.
Heroic Efforts Through the Night
Fire crews fought valiantly for hours to bring the devastating fire under control. A spokesperson for the service detailed the intense operation, stating: "Crews were alerted and on scene promptly. Upon arrival, firefighters were met with a well-developed fire affecting the first and second floors of the vacant premises."
In a testament to the blaze's intensity, the spokesperson confirmed that an Aerial Ladder Platform was utilised to douse the flames from above, while teams worked from inside the structure using multiple jets and breathing apparatus.
A Community in Shock
The sight of the beloved local landmark engulfed in flames has sent shockwaves through the Liverpool community. The cause of the fire is not yet known, and a joint investigation with Merseyside Police is underway to determine the exact circumstances that led to the tragedy.
Authorities have urged the public to avoid the area to allow emergency services to complete their work. There have been no reports of any injuries, a small relief amidst the significant damage to the building's structural integrity.
The full extent of the damage and what this means for the preservation of Woolton Hall remains uncertain as investigations continue.
