Investigation launched into Shadsworth fence blaze as residents asked not to speculate over cause

The fire, which broke out on Staffa Crescent in Blackburn on Sunday evening, caused extensive smoke damage to the properties.

Together Housing, who are responsible for the Shadsworth homes, said they are working with the fire service to establish exactly what happened, and have asked residents not to speculate about the cause of the blaze after rumour circulated on social media linking the incident to another fire involving fencing on Worcester Road in Whitebirk back in April.

A resident from Shadsworth said: "We believe the fire on Staffa Crescent last night had something to do with the fences. That's why it spread so quickly.

"There is a lot of smoke damage to the house, especially the kitchen and the back windows are smashed due to the heat of the fire."

The resident claimed that the fences were the same type that were involved in the fire on Worcester Road in Whitebirk in April, which resulted in a number of families having to be rehomed.

They added: "These fences are a massive risk and are used all over Blackburn and probably other towns too.

"What is it going to take for Together Housing to rethink and remove all of these types of fences from all housing estates?"

‘Utter devastation’: Aftermath of fire which caused extensive damage to row of houses

Head of property care at Together Housing Group, Angela Stuttard, said they are working with the fire service and residents in Staffa Crescent to understand more about the fire.

She said: "It is too soon for us to be able to speculate about the cause of this fire.

"We are grateful to our emergency services for attending and are pleased that no one was injured and that no significant damage occurred.

“We are aware that some residents are linking this incident to other fires involving fencing.

"While it’s too early to conclude this, we are proactively working to remove certain fencing that is in close proximity to some buildings and are surveying further properties to understand if work will be needed there.

"While there is no cause for alarm, it has always been important that no households use firepits, outdoor candles or barbecues close to sheds, hedges or fencing of any kind and that, where they do use anything flammable in their garden, they dispose of the ashes with caution.

"In addition, it’s important that residents keep their gardens tidy, removing any rubbish and keeping grass or any shrubs or plants cut back as needed.

“If any of our residents are concerned about fire safety in their garden or in the garden of a neighbour it is important that they let us know, so we can give them specific advice.

"They can email firesafety@togetherhousing.co.uk or speak to their neighbourhood officer.”

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