BAYLEAF UP IN FLAMES!! 28 March 2017

• By Paul Adams
• March 28, 2017
• Comments Off on BAYLEAF UP IN FLAMES!! 28 March 2017

Early this evening the Bayleaf was up in flames.  A MAJOR MAJOR incident for residents and fire crews alike.

Initial reports said that the fire had been started by “youths” but we cannot confirm that.  There have been several reports in the past of youths on the roof of the building and vandalism.

The blaze quickly developed very rapidly, with towering flames over 20 feet high and massive clouds of black smoke.

 Fire crews from many areas including Stockton Heath, Chester and Alsager, gathered to fight the blaze and protect neighbouring properties.  Their work was seriously hampered by the concrete blocks which had been positioned to prevent trespassing on the property.  A JCB had to be brought in to give the fire fighters and their equipment the required access.  Efforts were necessary to find enough water hydrants for connection for the appliance

 A large number of appliances were deployed to deal with what was clearly a very serious fire.

 At the time of this posting, roads were still blocked and it was reported that some of the walls of the Bayleaf had collapsed.

It is clear that the fire services will have a long, difficult night.  Isn’t it good to have these guys to call upon in times like these.