Gosforth’s Main Street remains closed after a massive fire in the village.
Initially, 10 fire engines were called to the blaze on Main Street, which had affected the Budgens store and a home behind it, at 6.55am yesterday, Thursday August 15.
They spent several hours tackling the fire.
At 5.15pm, Cumbria Fire & Rescue Service said: “We have two appliances and an aerial ladder platform at the site, and our crews will retain this presence throughout the night to monitor the scene, continue to dampen down the site and respond to any hotspots that emerge.”
Today, Friday August 16, the fire service said: “Our crews spent last night monitoring the building and we still have one appliance in attendance.
“There is a multi-agency inspection this afternoon, after which the building will be secured and it is hoped that Cumberland Council can reopen the road once this has been completed.”
During the day yesterday, people living in Gosforth were advised to keep their windows and doors closed as firefighters continued to battle the blaze.
When it was first called at 6.55am, the fire service also deployed an aerial ladder platform from Barrow, joint incident command unit from Workington, a welfare unit from Staveley, a water bowser from Maryport and a water bowser from Sellafield fire and rescue.
Bootle Fire Station said: “On route, it was reported that people were still in the building. On arrival, all people were accounted for and were safe and well outside. The building was well alight.
“Due to the intense fire spread during the incident which eventually burnt through into the rear properties causing roof collapses, appliances from around the county were mobilised to the incident.
“Frizington, Egremont, Whitehaven, Workington, Aspatria, Windermere, Coniston and Millom were all among those who arrived throughout the morning to assist with efforts to get the fire under control.
“Many teams were committed throughout the morning onto the ground floor and first floor to attack various seats of fire. The aerial ladder platform also attacked the fire from above along with jets from the outside in through the windows.”
At 3.05pm, Cumbria Fire & Rescue Service said it had five engines and the aerial ladder platform on the scene.
It said everyone was accounted for. No one was injured in the fire.
Gosforth Parish Council has issued an urgent appeal for clothing and shoes due to the situation.
It is appealing for:
- Shoes – Men’s size 11, 10/ Women’s size 9 and 7. Kid’s boys’ size 11 and 1
- Clothing – Women’s 14/16, Boy age 10 & 7, Girl 16, Men’s medium/large, Boy’s age 7/8
- Toys for age 7 boys
People are asked to drop off any donations at the back of the church.
A £10,000 online appeal for the two families has been launched to help them rebuild their lives.
It has so far raised £12,035 from 431 donors.
Three cats are currently missing and people are asked to keep an eye for them and take them in if they can.
