Blaze rips through former orphanage building in Preston

Published by Robert L Senior Reporter on Tuesday, 5th November 2024, at 02:00hrs

An investigation is now underway into the cause of the fire

Emergency services are currently on the scene of a major fire in Preston City Centre.

The fire happened shortly before 10pm on Monday night in Mount Street just off Friargate in the city centre.

It is believed to be at the former St Joseph’s  Orphanage grade two listed building. The road is currently closed, and firefighters will be there throughout the night.

Huge flames could be seen ripping through the building which has once again been the target of another blaze with the last fires here being back in 2022 and 2023.

An investigation is now underway, and there are no reports of any injuries.

Six fire engines from across Lancashire attended the derelict building fire.

A spokesperson for Lancashire Fire & Rescue Service said:

“Six fire engines from Preston, Fulwood, Bamber Bridge, Chorley, Leyland and Penwortham as well as two aerial ladder platforms from Blackpool and Preston attended a fire in a derelict building on Mount Street, Preston.

Firefighters used four jets to bring the fire under control. By 2:00am, the fire has been reduced to one fire engine and two ALPs.

Mount Street will remain closed throughout the night and firefighters will remain at the scene into the morning. No injuries have been reported and the cause of the fire is under investigation.”