Derelict hospital hit by fire
AROUND 30 firefighters tackled a large blaze at a derelict former hospital that has become an arson hotspot.
Crews using an aerial appliance fought the fire at the old St Thomas’s Hospital site off Royal George Street, central Stockport, on Monday afternoon.
An investigation has been launched into the cause of the fire, but youths were seen running across the roof shortly before emergency services were called.
The fire began on the first floor and also damaged the roof, causing debris to fall as crews were inside.
Kev Downey, from King Street fire station, said: “We were first in there. The fire was in the corner but once it goes into the roof it can be dangerous.
“Some of the tiles fell in so we had to be careful.”
Crews have been called to St Thomas’s Hospital regularly in the past few months to nuisance fires.
The building, which has fallen into a dilapidated state, is believed to be used as shelter by homeless people.
Firefighters had to do an initial sweep of the building in breathing apparatus to check no one was inside.
Police were called to the scene and are likely to be involved in the investigation into the blaze, which may be deliberate.
Officers also had to deal with traffic problems as part of Greek Street, at its junction with Royal George Street, was blocked.
Further congestion was caused on Shaw Heath as rush hour approached.
Smoke from the site, which is just behind Stockport College, could be seen across the town
The council’s dangerous buildings inspector will make a decision on the building’s safety following a visit to the site.
Firefighter Burt Sanchez, from Offerton station, said initially crews had been told people were in the building.
He added: “A neighbour thought they had seen kids on the roof. We had a look but didn’t find anyone inside.
“The fire involved the first floor and roof, the building is derelict but the roof tiles are laid on bitumen, which is why there was a lot of smoke.”
The fire was brought under control in around an hour and by mid afternoon the incident was being scaled back.
Firefighters from King Street, Whitehill, Offerton, Cheadle and Wythenshawe were called to tackle the blaze when it was at its height.