Dozens evacuated after fire at Accrington care home

Emergency services were called to Accrington yesterday at around 4.30pm after the small blaze started inside the boiler room of Springhill Care Home, on Fairfield Street.

Firefighters put the blaze out quickly but the electricity supply to part of the building was left badly damaged, a police spokesman.

No one was injured but police said around 20 residents had to stay in temporary alternative accommodation yesterday while repairs were carried out.

Bosses at Springhill Care Home said they initially feared it would take several days to complete the repairs but residents are now expected to be allowed back into the premises later tomorrow.

A spokesman said: “Thanks to the responsive actions of staff at the home and the prompt attendance of the emergency services a fire that broke out early Sunday evening within a separate electrical supply building was quickly and safely extinguished.

“We would like to reassure people that everyone is safe and there are no injuries or ill effects from the fire that occurred that was swiftly and successfully dealt with.”

Springhill, which opened in 1983, has a care home and a specialist care centre, which are both physically attached to each other in one building.

Bosses said when the fire alarm sounded over 100 people, including staff and residents, were evacuated from the care home and specialist centre.

Emergency services, including firefighters and police, were later called to the scene as they helped out with the evacuation.

A cordon was put in place outside the care home on Fairfield Street on Sunday night and several taxis arrived to take the residents who were not allowed back to their rooms to alternative accommodation. One member of staff was still outside the care home at 9.45pm ushering people in and out of the building.

A statement was released by the Springhill Care Group, which owns the home which in total holds 110 residents, on its Facebook page shortly after 10pm yesterday.

Donna Briggs, managing director of the Springhill Care Group, said the Springhill Care Home residents affected by the fire were being moved to other facilities, including some at their sister home, Birch Green care home, Skelmersdale, or with family and friends and other facilities assisted by the NHS and local authority.

She said: “Thanks to the professional prompt actions of our staff team and the emergency services, the fire was quickly contained and extinguished and everyone is safe.

"Unfortunately due to the resultant loss of electricity supply from the building into the care home, it has been deemed necessary to temporarily relocate residents.

“Our top priority remains the safety, health and wellbeing of our residents, and our staff. We have accessed huge support from the authorities to whom we are also grateful for their assistance, which is continuing at this time.”

Contractors visited the site today to check the electricity supply to the building and were carrying out work to restore power to part of the building.

Families of all affected residents were yesterday informed that their relatives should be able to return to their home today.

A police spokesman said: “Due to the nature of the fire, some concern was raised about the electricity supply to part of the building, with a small number of residents relocated to family and friends or alternative care accommodation. They should be able to return to the home tomorrow.

“The majority of residents remained at the home with extra care staff drafted in as a precaution. There is no risk to anyone at the home.

“We would like to thank those affected, their families and the local community and the staff who have worked around the clock to resolve the situation. Emergency services will provide further support if required.”

If relatives have any concerns the care home can be contacted on 07787 700267.