Firefighters stay overnight at unsafe Stoke-on-Trent building after fire

Firefighters remained at an unsafe building on Keelings Road, Northwood, overnight following a fire on Thursday evening.

The road was closed in both directions as a result of concerns over the condition of the building, with crews staying at the scene with one fire appliance to help ensure the area remained safe through the night.

Statement from Staffordshire Fire & Rescue Service on Facebook " 1 Pump is still left in attendance damping down hot spots at Botteslow Street, Hanley. Due to the structure being unsafe and inaccessible, crews will be returning periodically during the night and early morning to check for any further hot spots. Please avoid the area."

While the initial fire was brought under control, the response continued into the early hours because of the potential risks posed by the building itself.

Inspection work is expected to take place today to assess the structure and establish what further action may be needed.

The overnight attendance is an important part of the incident, as buildings already considered unsafe can become even more hazardous following a fire, with the possibility of weakened walls, roofs or other structural elements.

Keelings Road remains affected while safety checks are carried out, and motorists and pedestrians are advised to avoid the area where possible and follow any restrictions in place.

The incident is another reminder of the ongoing concerns around vacant and unsafe buildings across Stoke-on-Trent, which can present additional challenges for emergency services when incidents occur.