Liverpool fire: Major incident declared amid fears building will collapse

  • Report from the scene by Jahmal Williams-Thomas.

A major incident has been declared in Liverpool amid fears a building could collapse following a huge fire in the city centre.

Firefighters were called to Fox Street at 2:18pm on Saturday and arrived to find a four-storey building, measuring 100 metres by 50 metres, "well alight".

There are no reports of casualties, the fire service said. By 5pm, it was no longer classed as a major incident and the main body of the fire had been extinguished.

Footage posted on social media shows the extent of the fire.

A cordon is in place around the building and the wider area, and roads have been closed including Great Homer Street, Fox Street, Rose Place, Great Richmond Street, Richmond Brow, Netherfield Road South, Everton Brow and Prince Edwin Street.

The fire is said to be at risk of collapse Credit: Liverpool Echo

Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service said: "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."

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