Church fire may have started in boiler
ABLAZE at a Widnes church is believed to have originated in the boiler.
Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service (CFRS) said three appliances, from Widnes, Penketh and Runcorn, were called to St Luke’s on Pit Lane in Farnworth at 3.53pm on Wednesday, September 30.
Crews donned breathing apparatus and used a hose to extinguish the flames.
A large fan was deployed to clear smoke from the site.
The church was evacuated of all occupants and there were no injuries.
CFRS said that crews were at the scene in Widnes for around two hours.
St Luke’s Church is a Grade-II listed building, with origins dating back to the late 12th century.
According to its Historic England entry, the church has an array of fine features including “Interior arcade gothic arches supported on octagonal columns with exception of the two north east bays which are circular with stiff leaf caps and common to the memorial chapel.
“The chancel has choir stalls with poppyheads.
“Oak screens separate the chapel from the north aisle and nave and the choir from the organ chamber.
“The chancel has a fine panelled oak ceiling and the nave braced collar trusses. The chapel contains good alabaster and marble monuments from 1635 and 1822.”
A fire service spokesperson said: “The crews checked for any fire spread and fire engines reduced to three.
“The fire is thought to have started in the boiler.
“A fire investigation is to be commenced.”