Massive Fire Engulfs Liverpool City Centre Building

A major incident has been declared in Liverpool as a massive fire tears through a building in the city centre. The fire, which broke out at around 2pm on Saturday, has prompted fears of a building collapse in the unfinished development on Fox Street.

The smoke from the blaze could be seen billowing out over the Mersey River and even reached inside Goodison Park, where thousands of spectators were gathered to watch a home FA Cup tie against Luton Town.

The affected building is located next to the historic Saint Mary of the Angels church, which regularly hosts performances by the Liverpool Philharmonic.

Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service (MFRS) reported that the four-storey building, measuring 100 metres by 50 metres, was “well alight” when firefighters arrived at the scene.

MFRS has issued advisories urging people to avoid the area and for nearby residents and businesses to close windows and doors. Thankfully, there have been no reports of casualties, according to the fire service.

Scarlett O’Neill, a resident of Fox Street, described the situation saying, “We rang the fire service and saw the flames getting bigger. It was worrying so we decided to grab some things and leave as the smoke intensified and you could feel the heat coming from the fire through the flat windows.”

The fire service brought the situation under control through successful firefighting tactics, resulting in the fire being greatly reduced, with the main body of the fire now extinguished. Great Homer Street, which was closed for emergency access, has been reopened for vehicle traffic.

Merseyside Police also attended the scene to assist with the evacuation of the building. Road closures were implemented on Great Homer Street, Fox Street, Rose Place, Great Richmond Street, Richmond Brow, Netherfield Road South, Everton Brow, and Prince Edwin Street to ensure the safety of emergency services personnel.