A councillor has urged people not to speculate about the cause of a “devastating” house fire which left four people in hospital.
Six fire engines and five ambulance crews were called to the blaze at 5.23am this morning (Wednesday, August 26) at Birchington Avenue in Grangetown.
Emergency services at the scene of a major residential fire on Birchington Avenue, in Grangetown, Middlesbrough
(Image: North News & Pictures Ltd)
Grangetown Ward Councillor Adam Brook from Redcar & Cleveland Borough Council has asked people not to speculate about the incident until official information has been confirmed.
The statement said: “This morning's fire on Birchington Avenue is absolutely devastating, and my thoughts are first and foremost with everyone directly affected, their families and the wider Grangetown community.
“Many residents have been in touch with me throughout the morning, and I know there is understandably a great deal of concern.
Emergency services at the scene of a major residential fire on Birchington Avenue, in Grangetown, Middlesbrough
(Image: North News & Pictures Ltd)
“However, I would urge people not to speculate or share unconfirmed information. There are local families at the heart of this incident, and they deserve the space, dignity and privacy to deal with what is an incredibly difficult situation.
“At this stage, I don't want to speculate or comment on any information that has not been officially confirmed while the emergency services continue their work.”
He added his priority is focusing on supporting residents in this “close-knit” community.
Emergency services at the scene of a major residential fire on Birchington Avenue, in Grangetown, Middlesbrough
(Image: North News & Pictures Ltd)
The post said: “Grangetown is a close-knit community, and my focus is on supporting our residents and those affected in any way we can.
“I would also like to pay tribute to our emergency services for their response.”
The road remains closed and drivers are being advised to find alternative routes while emergency services deal with the house fire.
Emergency services at the scene of a major residential fire on Birchington Avenue, in Grangetown, Middlesbrough
(Image: North News & Pictures Ltd)
The upper part of the property on Birchington Avenue has been severely damaged, with the roof badly affected by the fire.
Windows have been blown out and the house has been left blackened by smoke damage.
Emergency services at the scene of a major residential fire on Birchington Avenue, in Grangetown, Middlesbrough
(Image: North News & Pictures Ltd)
Anna Turley, MP for Redcar and Cleveland, said: “A very serious incident is ongoing on Birchington Avenue in Grangetown this morning.
“Cleveland Fire Brigade UK and other emergency services are at the scene, and road closures are in place. Please avoid the area and give crews the space they need to respond safely.
“My thoughts are with everyone affected, and with our emergency services dealing with what is clearly a very difficult situation.”
A spokesperson from Cleveland Fire and Rescue Service said: “Cleveland Fire Brigade was called at 5.23am this morning (August 26) to an incident on Birchington Avenue, Grangetown.
Emergency services at the scene of a major residential fire on Birchington Avenue, in Grangetown, Middlesbrough
(Image: North News & Pictures Ltd)
“Crews are currently dealing with the incident, with six fire engines and the Incident Command Unit at the scene.
“Road closures are in place in the surrounding area, and we are asking members of the public to avoid the area where possible to allow emergency services to work safely.
“The incident remains ongoing, and further updates will be provided when available.”
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The cause for the fire has not yet been disclosed.
A North East Ambulance Service spokesperson said: "We were called to a fire at a private address in Grangetown, Middlesbrough at 5.17am on Wednesday, August 26.
“We dispatched five ambulance crews, one specialist paramedic, two clinical team leaders, one duty officer, one HART resource (Hazardous Area Response Team). Four patients were taken to James Cook University Hospital for further treatment."