Sign in Subscribe
City councils

Devastating Fire at Woolton Hall: Council Commits to Investigation

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

A huge fire has ravaged Woolton Hall, a Grade I listed building in Liverpool, prompting a full investigation by the local authorities. Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service (MFRS) and Merseyside Police were alerted to the fire at 8.09pm on Tuesday night, August 19, and nine fire engines were deployed to tackle the blaze by 11.30pm. The fire service warned residents to avoid the area and keep doors and windows closed, while Merseyside Police managed traffic and assisted with the evacuation of the area. The building, which has been empty for around 20 years, has suffered significant damage, including the destruction of its roof. Liverpool City Council has announced its commitment to co-operating with the investigation, stating that it will work closely with MFRS and Merseyside Police to determine the cause of the fire.

Key Takeaways:

  • The fire at Woolton Hall broke out on Tuesday night, August 19, at approximately 8.09pm and affected a three-storey stone building approximately 40 by 30 meters in size.
  • Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service deployed nine fire engines and an aerial appliance to tackle the fire, which was fully involved when crews arrived.
  • The fire service warned residents to avoid the area, keep doors and windows closed, and advised those with existing medical conditions to keep medicines nearby and seek medical help if necessary.
  • Liverpool City Council has committed to co-operating with the investigation led by MFRS and Merseyside Police, stating it will work closely with the emergency services to determine the cause of the fire.
  • Woolton Hall, a Grade I listed building, was built in 1704 and renovated in the 18th century, and was previously saved from demolition and designated a Grade I listed building in 1982.
  • The historic building was declared to be at "immediate risk of further rapid deterioration or loss of fabric" by Historic England in 2021, following a fire in 2019.

Statistics:

  • 8.09pm: Time MFRS received the initial alert about the fire at Woolton Hall.
  • 8.16pm: Time MFRS crews arrived on scene.
  • 40 meters by 30 meters: Approximate size of the affected area of the fire.
  • 9 fire engines and an aerial appliance: Number of emergency response vehicles deployed to tackle the fire.
  • 20 years: Length of time Woolton Hall has been empty.
  • 1704: Year Woolton Hall was built.

Sources:

  • Liverpool City Council statement to the ECHO (no date)
  • Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service (MFRS) initial statement to the ECHO (August 19)
  • MFRS update to the ECHO (August 20)
  • Historic England (no date)
  • The ECHO (no date)

Read more