A family are believed to be ‘devastated’ after their home was ravaged by a serious blaze.
Fire crews from Chester, Ellesmere Port, Runcorn, Frodsham, Tarporley and Winsford were called to the large two-storey detached property in Smithy Lane, Mouldsworth, shortly after 1pm on Tuesday (January 27).
The fire, which involved the roof and first floor, was already well-established by the time they arrived but fortunately there was nobody inside the building and no injuries.
Firefighters were forced to tackle the blaze from the outside after the roof later collapsed. A video shot by Cheshire Fire & Rescue Service shows the level of devastation inside the property where the first floor also appears to have collapsed.
A fire investigation was expected to begin yesterday once structural engineers had given the all clear for officers to enter the property. The cause is so far unknown.
The Chronicle understands the family who live in the house are ‘devastated’. They are believed to be staying with friends.
This is not the first time this property has been involved in fire.
In December 2009, a father and his then 25-year-old son were taken to hospital with smoke inhalation after tackling a blaze at the house caused by a candle.
Firefighters said at the time that the pair were lucky not to have suffered more serious injuries after entering the room where the fire broke out, risking a flash-over.
They were awoken by smoke alarms about 4am and used a washing up bowl to throw water on the blaze, which was out by the time fire crews arrived.
In the latest incident, firefighters used a main water jet and hose reels to fight the fire.
A water relay was set up and a portable pump used to provide water for the hose reels.
Such was the ferocity of the blaze that crews remained at the scene overnight to monitor the building for hot spots.
