Four Dead in Early Morning House Fire in Bootle
Emergency services responded to a 'well alight' semi-detached property, initiating an investigation into the cause.
Four people have died following a house fire that erupted in the early hours of Tuesday morning in Bootle, Merseyside. The blaze tore through a semi-detached property on Stone Square.
Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service received the alert at 3:38 a.m. and arrived at the scene by 3:45 a.m. Six fire engines and eight firefighters were dispatched to combat what was described as an 'intense fire which was spreading rapidly'.
Firefighters wearing breathing apparatus entered the residence. They discovered four individuals who showed no signs of life. All four were subsequently confirmed deceased by the fire service.
One casualty at the scene was treated by the North West Ambulance Service for burns. Two members of the ambulance service's Hazardous Area Response Team were also involved in the operation alongside firefighters.
The main fire has since been extinguished, and crews were engaged in damping down the area. Two fire engines remained on scene, and a cordon was in place.
Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service and Merseyside Police have launched a joint investigation to determine the cause of the fire. Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service Area Manager Kevin Longshaw stated, "This is a devastating incident, and our thoughts are very much with the family and friends of those who have lost their lives and been injured." He added, "We will work closely with relevant colleagues to ascertain the cause of the fire."