Fire engulfs four storey block of flats in Liverpool
Emergency services were called to Fox Street earlier today
Last updated 27th Jan 2024
A major incident was declared for a time after a huge fire started in Liverpool city centre.
Firefighters were called to a blaze on Fox Street at 2.18pm on Saturday and arrived to find a four-storey building measuring 100 metres by 50 metres "well alight".
The building is showing signs of collapse and fire crews and police are evacuating buildings, Merseyside Fire & Rescue Service said.
At 4pm it was declared a major incident.
By 5pm, it was no longer classed as a major incident and the main body of the fire had been extinguished.
There are no reports of casualties, the fire service said.
A cordon is in place around the building and the wider area, and roads have been closed including Fox Street, Rose Place, Great Richmond Street, Richmond Brow, Netherfield Road South, Everton Brow and Prince Edwin Street.
The fire service is urging people to avoid the area and nearby residents and businesses to close windows and doors.
A Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service spokesperson said:
"12 fire engines and two aerial appliances are in attendance. Crews were alerted at 2.18pm and on scene at 2.23pm.
"Crews arrived to find a four storey building 100 metres x 50 metres well alight.
"The incident has been divided into sectors, with firefighters wearing breathing apparatus fighting the fire with main branch hoses.
"The building is showing signs of collapse and fire crews are evacuating buildings.
"The incident is ongoing. Please avoid the area. Residents and businesses nearby should close windows and doors.
"If you have an existing health condition, keep medicines nearby and if any ill effects occur dial NHS 111 for advice."
These updates have been posted on social media:
Videos on social media show huge plumes of smoke in the air.
Emergency services can also be seen attending the fire.
The fire can be seen across the River Mersey.
According to eye witnesses, there are road blocks in place around the fire.
Buses are being diverted as crews continue to work at the scene.