Residents and staff had to be evacuated from a supported living complex in Crewe after a huge blaze broke out yesterday afternoon.

Crews from Cheshire Fire & Rescue first attended the scene at the Beechmere retirement development, on Rolls Avenue, at around 16.30 on 8th August. All 150 residents had to be evacuated from the three-storey apartment complex and relocated to temporary accommodation. A small number of people were taken to hospital to be checked over.

Residents from houses in nearby Railton Avenue were also evacuated overnight due to the fire and smoke.

Cheshire Fire & Rescue reported that 16 fire engines from Cheshire, Staffordshire, Shropshire and Merseyside were in attendance to tackle the blaze throughout the night, both from inside and outside the building. This was hampered, however, due to the partial collapse of the building.

As of this morning, crews are still the scene and are expected to remain there over the weekend.

The Cheshire Constabulary has praised the local community for their support.
Superintendent Pete Crowcroft, who oversees policing in the area, commended locals for the way they rallied round to help others.

He said: “This is a very large fire in a building that is at the heart of the community. Naturally, this will have a significant impact on those living close by and they will clearly be concerned for all those affected. But the response shown last night, within minutes of the incident being reported, was nothing short of remarkable and I want to thank every single person who has helped or offered help in some way.”

Any relatives with concerns have been advised to contact the force.