Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service has thanked its firefighters for their efforts during a particularly busy night, as crews dealt with several serious incidents across the region on August 4, including a burning HGV loaded with hay and a roof fire at Blackstock Market.
Fire crews were called to the large HGV fire at Junction Lane in Newton-le-Willows, close to the Nine Arches, at 8.44pm. Two nearby trailers were also alight. Firefighters wearing breathing apparatus extinguished the blaze using two hose reel jets. Photographs from the scene show the vehicle engulfed in flames with thick black smoke rising into the air.
Firefighters recalled to cover stations
A Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service spokesman said: "It was a particularly busy night across Merseyside, with multiple significant incidents taking place. To help maintain region-wide cover and ensure we could continue responding to those who needed us, firefighters were recalled to cover additional fire engines."
The spokesman added: "A huge thank you to everyone who was on duty, and to the crews who returned to cover at St Helens, Crosby, Aintree, Wallasey, Kensington and Kirkdale. Thank you for your commitment to keeping our communities safe."
Blackstock Market roof fire
The fire service was also called to the Blackstock Market entertainment venue on Blackstock Street in Vauxhall at around 3am. Four fire engines and one aerial appliance attended. Firefighters found a fire on the roof terrace, and all persons were accounted for. The fire was extinguished at 5.15am, and fans were used to clear smoke.
A Blackstock Market spokesman has announced that its roof gardens will remain closed for the rest of 2026 while repairs are carried out. Customers affected by roof garden cancellations have been contacted.
Grass fires at school playing field
In addition, crews attended a grass fire on the playing field surrounding Hope Street Primary School in Huyton at 7.25pm on August 2. One fire engine found a burning patch of grass around 50m long and 50m wide. Fire crews were called back to the same field at 3.14pm on August 3 for another grass fire, this time 400m long and 400m wide.
