Investigations continue into former Preston Orphange blaze

Published by Robert L Senior Reporter on Wednesday, 6th November 2024, at 11:25hrs

The fire is being treated as arson confirm Lancashire Police

An investigation is still ongoing into the cause of a fire that ripped through a former Preston Orphanage.

The blaze happened at the mount street grade  ll listed building on Monday night shortly before 10pm.

Videos circulated online showed the fire raging out of the top of the building, which resulted in six fire engines from across South Ribble and the Fylde attending the blaze.

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.

It is now being treated as arson and mount street remains closed whilst investigations continue.

A spokesperson for Lancashire 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.”

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

A nearby business posted on social media to let customers know that there business is still trading with advise on the incident that happened on Monday night.

A spokesperson for Hartleys Wine Bar at Preston said on facebook:

“We have just been given an update from the fire service & police.

Hartleys Wine Bar At Preston Will be open as normal today.

But the following procedures must be followed for us to be open.

As we are on the boundary of an. Active Crime Scene.

Mount Street Will remained closed till late tonight or tomorrow.

When visiting today police will ask why you would like to access the street. Please tell them you are visiting Hartleys.

When leaving Hartleys you must leave & head back towards town centre.

Customers visiting will not be able to go any further than past our boundary line.

Thank you for your cooperation.