Update on the major fire in Crewe
10 August 2024 - 8pm
Updated 13 August 2024 - 10:30am
Following the incident at Catherine Street, Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service continue to work in the area and although the fire is damping down, they are working to expose remaining hotspots and extinguish these.
We would like to thank everyone who has been affected by this incident for your patience and co-operation in what we know has been a difficult and challenging time for residents and our rescue services.
We are now able to access some of the surrounding area to begin to undertake an assessment as well as bringing in specialists to determine whether there are any ongoing risks.
You may have seen our street cleansing crews and other officers working to assess and remove any dust and debris, resulting from the incident, from public areas.
Although the impact to public health is minimal, there is always the possibility that asbestos containing materials may have been disturbed during the fire and building collapse.
If you do find any suspect large pieces asbestos debris from the fire (such larger parts of corrugated roofing, drainpipes or sheets, which is to large to double bag in carrier bags) on your property, please do not touch it and call us on 0300 123 5500 (0300 123 5025 out of hours).
Please be reassured that the risks to health are low and there is unlikely to be any significant exposure to asbestos following a fire involving materials containing asbestos. Residents who were advised to evacuate properties during the fire were asked to do so as a precautionary measure due to proximity to the fire, not because of any concerns relating to asbestos.
There is no direct evidence of long-term health risks from fires involving asbestos containing materials, but it is sensible that any ash or debris is removed to minimise any potential exposure.
If residents do find any ash from the fire on their property, it is safe for them to dampen it down using water, and either gently flush away small particles to the drain or wearing protective gloves (to prevent scratches), damp them down first and pick up larger pieces carefully and place them within two plastic bags, one within the other (double bag), seal the bags and take it to Crewe household waste recycling centre at Pyms Lane, or call the number above to ask any questions.
Please do not dry sweep up or vacuum debris, which is outside, as this could create airborne dust containing ash and other materials from the fire which increases the likelihood of breathing it in. If you find dust or ash from the fire inside your property and need further advice about how to clean it, please contact the us on 0300 123 5015. In addition, if there is any damage to either the inside or outside of your property you should speak to your insurance company.
If anybody came into contact with the smoke plume this may have caused them to have had breathing difficulties, watery eyes, coughing and a sore throat. If residents experience any symptoms such as difficulty in breathing, watery eyes or cough following the fire please contact your GP or NHS 111.
We understand that this has been an incredibly upsetting time. If you continue to feel emotionally affected by this incident, in coming days, you may want to consider seeking further advice and support from their GP. A useful guide regarding dealing with trauma can be found here: nhs_trauma_leaflet.pdf (publishing.service.gov.uk 50.1KB) or Google ‘NHS trauma leaflet’.
Residents should approach their own insurers or legal representation if wishing to make a claim in relation to any damage to property, or if seeking further advice.
Residents who need to contact the council about any impacts of the incident should visit our contact us pages to find out how to contact specific services, or phone 0300 123 5500 (0300 123 5025 out of hours).