Update on Ettrick Grove fire, Sunderland

Having carried out a joint investigation with Northumbria Police, we believe that the fire at the Croft Nursing Home started accidentally.

We received the 999 call at 10.32 on Friday morning and crews arrived on scene at 10.39. At the height of the incident, more than 40 firefighters and senior officers were working together to bring the fire under control using pumps and specialist appliances from stations across Tyne and Wear. North East Ambulance Service and Northumbria Police also attended.

Richie Rickaby, Area Manager for Community Safety, said:

“The fire started on the roof of the building and spread very quickly due to the warm, dry conditions. When our crews arrived on scene, most of the occupants had already evacuated the building but there were still seven people known to be inside.

Using breathing apparatus, firefighters entered the building and were able to quickly locate them and bring them to safety. Some of the occupants required hospital treatment for smoke inhalation and we wish them a quick recovery.

This was an extremely challenging incident and I’d like to thank every firefighter involved in bringing it to a safe conclusion. Without their bravery, skill and professionalism, we could have seen multiple fatalities. Thanks also to our control room, emergency service partners, local residents and the Salvation Army who provided much-needed refreshments for our crews.

This incident also highlights how important it is for all businesses, particularly residential premises, to carry out fire risk assessments and have suitable evacuation procedures that are tested with regular fire drills.”

Visit our website for more information on keeping your premises safe or to book a virtual meeting with one of our fire safety inspectors: https://www.twfire.gov.uk/business-safety/