Fire service release update on cause of Sunderland care home fire

A fire at a Sunderland care home which saw six people taken to hospital was started accidentally, an investigation has confirmed.
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The Croft Care Home in Ettrick Grove, Barnes, has been left severely damaged following a blaze in the roof void of the building on Friday, June 26.

Workmen at the home raised the alarm with staff at around 10.30am after spotting the fire.

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The workers began to evacuate 27 residents from the premises, with eight helped to safety from upstairs rooms by fire crews who arrived on scene minutes later at 10.39am.

The Croft Care Home in Ettrick Grove, Barnes, has been left severely damaged following a blaze. 
Photo by Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service.The Croft Care Home in Ettrick Grove, Barnes, has been left severely damaged following a blaze. 
Photo by Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service.
The Croft Care Home in Ettrick Grove, Barnes, has been left severely damaged following a blaze. Photo by Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service.
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Sunderland care home building suffers 'extensive' damage in blaze which saw six ...

The North East Ambulance Service confirmed that three patients were taken to Sunderland Royal Hospital by ambulance and another three to South Tyneside District Hospital using patient support vehicles.

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.

Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service and Northumbria Police carried out a joint investigation into the cause of the fire which has now been confirmed by the fire service as accidental.

The cause of the fire at Croft Care Home in Ettrick Grove was accidental.
Photo by Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service.The cause of the fire at Croft Care Home in Ettrick Grove was accidental.
Photo by Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service.
The cause of the fire at Croft Care Home in Ettrick Grove was accidental. Photo by Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service.
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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.

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“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."

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