Church Street reopens after fire crews battle through the night

Crews at Church Street last night. Credit: Blog Preston

Roads around Preston have mostly reopened after a fire gutted a derelict building on Church Street.

Emergency services rushed to the scene of a fire at 6.15pm yesterday (12 November) on Church Street of such a size that the flames and smoke were seen as far away as Lostock Hall.

Police were forced to close a number of roads around Preston while the incident was ongoing with Church Street, Manchester Road and Shepherd Street all affected.

This morning (13 November) only Shepherd Street is still closed as fire crews remain in attendance at the scene of the fire.

A spokesperson for police said: “Regarding our earlier post re the derelict building fire on Church St, Preston – all roads have now been re-opened apart from Shepherd St which remains closed.”

Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service confirmed they remained on the scene during Wednesday (13 November) morning.

A spokesperson said: “Firefighters used the aerial ladder platform and a thermal imaging camera to further monitor the fire, and at this time, no further hotspots have been found. The search dogs will be attending shortly. Crews remain in attendance. The cause of the fire is yet to be established.”

The exact building impacted by the fire is not clear but a local councillor, and multiple witnesses, pointed to a derelict building behind The Old Dog Inn on Church Street.

The fire at its height in Church Street during Tuesday evening Pic: @samstermoss

Connor Dwyer, Labour councillor for Sharoe Green, has called for an investigation into a run of fires in the city centre that includes St Joseph’s Orphanage last week.

He said: “A derelict building behind the former Old Dog Inn on Church Street Preston is ablaze. Avoid the area.

“This is a deeply concern incident – the alarming incidence of fires in the city centre requires action and investigation.”

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