Report: Hanley tower block evacuation after flat fire as firefighters issue warning

Following a fire, frantic families were evacuated from a tower block. When smoke was observed emanating from one of the floors of Hammond House in Hanley, firefighters were dispatched.

According to investigations, the fire was started by food that was cooking. At 2:15 p.m. on Wednesday, the drama broke out at the tower complex on Ridgway Road.

It comes as 61 per cent of Staffordshire house fires have started in kitchens in the past five years.

A Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service spokesman said: “A number of crews were sent to Hammond House following reports of smoke coming from one of the floors. Firefighters pinpointed the source of the smoke quickly and found cooking that had been left unattended in one of the kitchen areas.

“The flat had already been partially evacuated around the affected area while crews made sure it was safe for everyone else inside. No-one was injured.

“Crews worked quickly to isolate the cause of the smoke and make sure those in the flat were safe from harm.

While it can be easy for accidents like this to happen, it goes to show how quickly distractions can escalate and put the lives of so many people in danger.”