Six people were taken to hospital with smoke inhalation after a fire ripped through several residential properties in Stoke-on-Trent on Thursday, August 13. The blaze broke out in the Sandy Road area, with aerial photographs showing at least four homes with roofs partially or fully missing, as smoke continued to pour into the air.
West Midlands Ambulance Service received the call at 5.12pm to the junction of Maureen Avenue and Sandy Road. Four ambulances and three incident commanders were dispatched to the scene. In total, 11 patients were assessed, six of whom were taken to Royal Stoke University Hospital with the effects of smoke inhalation, while five others were discharged at the scene.
Emergency Response and Community Support
A spokesperson for Staffordshire Fire & Rescue Service confirmed that crews continue to attend the fire in the Goldenhill area of Stoke-on-Trent, alongside colleagues from Staffordshire Police. Local people affected by the fire are being urged to attend Goldenhill Community Centre on Drummond Street.
The fire service stated: "Please can all residents from properties 10 to 36 Maureen Avenue and 30 to 42 Sandy Road attend Goldenhill Community Centre on Drummond Street, at 10pm, to make themselves known to authorities and access support. We will continue to do all we can to work together to help those affected by the fire."
The cause of the fire is currently under investigation. The incident is the latest in a series of large-scale blazes to hit communities in the Midlands, following a recent fire in Stourbridge that forced a number of people to evacuate their homes.
Impact on the Community
The fire has caused significant damage to properties in the area, with aerial images showing the extent of the destruction. Residents have been advised to seek support at the community centre, where authorities are coordinating assistance for those affected.
West Midlands Ambulance Service and Staffordshire Fire & Rescue Service continue to work together to ensure the safety and well-being of the local community. The investigation into the cause of the fire remains ongoing, and further updates are expected as crews work to make the area safe.
