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Blaze spreads across floors in Manchester tower block
A huge fire broke out in a private residential high-rise building in Manchester on Saturday, with flames spreading across multiple floors.
Three people were treated for smoke inhalation following the blaze, with one 23-year-old man taken to hospital.
The fire broke out on the ninth floor of the 12-storey Lighthouse Apartments in the Joiner Street area of Manchester’s Northern Quarter at around 4pm.
Flames then spread across the outside of the building via wooden balconies to the 10th and 11th floors while the eighth floor sustained smoke damage, Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS) said.
It added that no cladding was involved. Pictures posted on Twitter showed smoke and flames bursting from the block.
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The building, which adjoins another 20-storey block, is owned by CapitalClimb.
A number of people were evacuated, and alternative accommodation has been arranged for residents of the seven apartments affected on the building’s ninth floor.
Can we thank everyone for their patience, cooperation and community spirit, after yesterday’s Northern Quarter fire.
— GMP City Centre (@GMPCityCentre)
Further search today, but just 3 treated for smoke inhalation (2 at scene)
Road closure now just Joiner St
5 residents temporarily rehoused in same blockCan we thank everyone for their patience, cooperation and community spirit, after yesterday's Northern Quarter fire.
— GMP City Centre (@GMPCityCentre) December 31, 2017
Further search today, but just 3 treated for smoke inhalation (2 at scene)
Road closure now just Joiner St
5 residents temporarily rehoused in same block
Manchester City Council said inspections of the block have shown that its fire alarm systems worked properly and that it complies with building regulations.
At the height of the blaze, 12 fire appliances were at the scene. GMFRS tweeted that the incident was “well under control” just after 6pm.
A spokesperson for CapitalClimb said: “We are satisfied following the fire officers report that the building performed as designed in the circumstances and we are relieved and thankful that no one was injured in the incident.
“We would like to recognise and thank all the emergency services and our onsite team who did a fantastic job in challenging circumstances.”
GMFRS has been in discussion with the National Fire Chiefs Council about national guidance on wooden balconies in high rises.
The fire had spread to multiple floors but we have things well under control here. Firefighters along with colleagues from the Police and Ambulance service have done an amazing job to tackle this difficult incident! More updates to follow... pic.twitter.com/lgBOPX54Hq
— Manchester Fire (@manchesterfire)The fire had spread to multiple floors but we have things well under control here. Firefighters along with colleagues from the Police and Ambulance service have done an amazing job to tackle this difficult incident! More updates to follow... pic.twitter.com/lgBOPX54Hq
— Manchester Fire (@manchesterfire) December 30, 2017
Update: at 16.43pm, 03/01/18: The story was updated to include more information about the fire and the building.
