Community's shock as nine people rescued from Hartlepool flat fire

Cleveland Fire Brigade crews were called to a fire at a flat on York Road, Hartlepool, shortly before 7.15am on Monday.

Five engines attended the scene from Billingham, Hartlepool and Stockton fire stations.

Nine people – three adults and six children – were rescued from the flat by crews, before being taken to hospital due to smoke inhalation.

The fire service has confirmed that everyone inside the flat at the time of the blaze has been accounted for.

Firefighters left the scene at 8.25am. The cause of the fire has not yet been confirmed.

A Cleveland Fire Brigade spokeswoman said in a statement: “Cleveland Fire Brigade were called to an incident in York Road, Hartlepool this morning (Monday, September 14) at 7.14am.

“Five fire engines attended; two from Hartlepool Fire Station, two from Stockton Fire Station and one from Billingham Fire Station.

“Six breathing apparatus and three hose reels were used. Nine people were rescued, including six children.

"All persons were accounted for and there were no injuries but all handed over to the paramedics for treatment for smoke inhalation.”

A North East Ambulance spokeswoman added: “We were called at 7.16am to a house fire in York Road, Hartlepool.

"We dispatched four double crewed ambulances and a clinical care manager. Three adults and six children were taken to North Tees Hospital.”

The Mail spoke to residents at the scene following the incident on Monday, who spoke of their shock on hearing what happened.

One local worker, Batuhan Erdogan, said: "I came into work at 8.45am and the road was closed. There was lots of police, fire engines and ambulance. I heard later there had been a fire. I was shocked."

The Mail also spoke to a man who said he lives in the flat, but was not there when the fire happened. He said that everyone who was involved was alright.

Cleveland Police Community Support Officers (PCSOs) are on duty outside the flat as of midday on Monday.

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