A man has died after a fire tore through a home in Wigan.
The blaze broke out a house on Warrington Road at around 2.30am this morning (Sunday). Firefighters, police officers and paramedics raced to the scene.
Tragically, a man died in the blaze. Police said five others were hurt, with one person in a 'life-threatening condition'.
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Officers said their 'thoughts were with the family affected'. An investigation is now underway to determine the cause of the blaze.
A scene remains in place on Warrington Road. Chief Superintendent Clare Jenkins, from GMP's Wigan district, said: "Our thoughts are with the family involved in this incident who are currently receiving treatment for their injuries and also grieving a tragic loss.
"Whilst our enquiries alongside GMFRS continue and are still in early stages we are confident it is an isolated incident that has no wider risk to the public. Anyone with information that may help with enquiries is asked to call 101 quoting log 393 of 14/04/2024."
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'Ball of smoke' as house erupts into flames
Tim Richard, 54; said: “It was about 2am we looked out and we could just see the orange flames coming out of the roof. Then there was like a ball of smoke. You could tell it was really bad.
“The fire brigade were there, the police and about six ambulances.
“We just looked out of the window there was nothing we could do.
He said he only became aware of the fatality after reading the news this morning. "It was a bit shock. So close. I’m just really sorry for the family.”
Neighbours were evacuated in the middle of the night
Those living closeby received a knock on their doors and were told by fire crews to 'get out', residents have claimed.
Homeowners close to the burning house remained outside for 'an hour and a half' as the flames raged on.
'Screaming' heard as smoke billowed from home
Chris is speaking with shocked neighbours on the scene this afternoon.
What we know so far about the fire
Here's everything we know so far about the fire:
- The fire started in the kitchen of a house on Warrington Road in Wigan before spreading up the roof
- Emergency crews were called to the scene at aroudn 2.30am this morning (April 14)
- One man has died as a result of his injuries in the fire
- Another person is a life-threatening condition in hospital
- Other family members who were in the house are being treated for their injuries
- An investigation is underway to determine the cause
Badly damaged roof on house
The blaze started in the kitchen and spread to the roof, the fire service said.
Pictures from the scene
Here's some pictures from Warrington Road this afternoon.
Crews worked 'tirelessly' to put out fire and rescue family
GMFRS Group Manager Liana Selecka-Jones said:
"In the early hours of the morning we were called to reports of a fire at a house in Wigan. Crews arrived swiftly at the scene where they were faced with a significant, well-developed fire which had spread to the roof.
"They worked tirelessly to put out the fire and minimise the impact on the local area.
"They located all six casualties, including rescuing one female using a ladder from the first-floor window.
"GMFRS and GMP are carrying out investigations to establish the cause of the fire.
"GMFRS will remain at the scene to provide reassurance to the surrounding community
"I'd like to thank everyone involved in responding to this very challenging incident, both from GMFRS and partners, for their efforts this morning.
“All our thoughts are with the family affected by this morning’s events, as they are receiving treatments to their sustained injuries and grieving a tragic loss of life.
"Our crews’ welfare and community reassurance now takes priority."
GMFRS statement: Fire broke out in kitchen of the home
A spokesperson for Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS) said:
“At 2am this morning (Sunday 14th April) firefighters were called to reports of fire at a house on Warrington Road, Wigan.
“Three fire engines from Wigan and Hindley fire stations alongside a specialist appliance from Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service arrived quickly at the scene, which involved a kitchen of a semi-detached property.
"Crews wearing breathing apparatus used two hose reels and a jet to bring the fire under control and extinguish it.
"Crews helped to locate six casualties, who have been conveyed to hospital via the care of our colleagues at North West Ambulance Service.
"GMFRS remain at the scene."
Investigation underway at the scene
Both fire crews and police are carrying out a joint investigation at the home on Warrington Road.
A scene remains in place around the house.
A road closure was in place but this has since been lifted.
'Family' affected by the fire
Chief Superintendent Clare Jenkins from our Wigan district said:
"Our thoughts are with the family involved in this incident who are currently receiving treatment for their injuries and also grieving a tragic loss.
"Whilst our enquiries alongside GMFRS continue and are still in early stages we are confident it is an isolated incident that has no wider risk to the public.
"Anyone with information that may help with enquiries is asked to call 101 quoting log 393 of 14/04/2024."
Full police statement
A GMP spokesperson said:
"Alongside other emergency services, we responded to a house fire on Warrington Road in Wigan at around 2:30am on Sunday 14 April 2024.
"A scene remains in place, with road closures lifted, whilst our officers alongside colleagues from Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue (GMFRS) investigate to establish the full circumstances.
"The extent of the injuries suffered by those inside the property has meant sadly a man has passed away as a result. Five other residents from the property are currently receiving treatment to their injuries, with one in a life-threatening condition."
