Live Updates: Hanley Building Ablaze as Flames Light Up Lichfield Night Sky

Live Updates: Hanley Building Ablaze as Flames Light Up Lichfield Night Sky

A major fire has broken out in Hanley this evening, sending plumes of smoke into the sky and casting an eerie orange glow over parts of Lichfield. Emergency services are currently at the scene battling the blaze, which appears to have engulfed a multi-storey building in the heart of the town centre.

Residents reported hearing sirens and seeing thick black smoke just after 8:30pm. Witnesses described flames shooting high into the sky, visible from several miles away. The fire, believed to have started on the upper floors, quickly spread, prompting fears of structural collapse and potential evacuations.

Here are the live updates as we receive them:

[9:15pm] – Fire crews battling major blaze
At least six fire engines have been dispatched to the scene. Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service has confirmed the fire is “well-developed” and crews are working to bring it under control. A spokesperson added that residents should keep doors and windows shut due to the smoke.

[9:30pm] – Road closures in place
Police have cordoned off surrounding roads including parts of Albion Street, Parliament Row, and Stafford Street. Motorists are advised to avoid the area as access is severely restricted. Public transport routes are also being diverted.

[9:45pm] – No casualties reported so far
West Midlands Ambulance Service is on standby but has confirmed there are no reports of injuries at this stage. However, they are urging anyone in the area to move to safety and follow emergency service instructions.

[10:00pm] – Evacuation of nearby properties
Police have begun evacuating nearby residential and commercial buildings due to fears the fire may spread or the structure could collapse. Some residents have been relocated to a temporary rest centre set up at a nearby community hall.

[10:20pm] – Cause of fire not yet known
Investigators are unable to enter the building at this stage due to the intensity of the blaze. It remains unclear how the fire started. Unconfirmed reports suggest it may have broken out in a vacant office space, but this has not been verified.

[10:45pm] – Power cuts reported in surrounding streets
Some residents in the Hanley area are reporting power outages, possibly caused by damage to nearby electrical infrastructure. Engineers have been notified.

[11:00pm] – Social media flooded with images
Locals have taken to social media to share dramatic photos and videos of the fire, with hashtags like HanleyFire and LichfieldBlaze trending locally. The glowing skyline has sparked concern and curiosity, with many watching events unfold from a safe distance.

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