St Joseph’s Orphanage fire being treated as arson attack

The scene of the fire at St Joseph's on Monday night — The scene of the fire at St Joseph’s on Monday night

A fire at a historic Preston building is being investigated as an arson attack, Blog Preston understands.

Police were called by Lancashire Fire & Rescue Service at around 10.09pm yesterday (4 November) to reports of a potential arson attack St Joseph’s Orphanage on Mount Street.

It is the third major fire at the Grade-II listed building in the last two years.

Police have confirmed that they are investigating the cause of the fire in conjunction with Lancashire Fire & Rescue Service. The fire service will remain at the scene this evening to monitor and continue to dampen down.

A spokesperson for police said: “We were called by the Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service at 10.09pm yesterday to Mount Street, Preston, to a report of arson. We are investigating.”

The fire service added: “Crews remain on scene to monitor and continue dampening down, however the cause of the fire is still under investigation.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 101, quoting log 1422 of 4th November 2024.

The scene of the fire during Monday night Pic: Blog Preston

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