Full Breakdown
Fatal Fire Claims Four Lives in Bootle Home
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Event – Blaze at a Stone Square Semi-Detached
A house fire broke out in the early hours of September 22 at a semi-detached property on Stone Square in Bootle, Sefton. Emergency crews found the building “well alight” and, after a rapid search, confirmed four people had died and a fifth person was taken to hospital with burns.
Timeline
- September 22 – around 3:38 a.m. – Emergency services were alerted to the blaze.
- 3:45 a.m. – Fire crews arrived on scene; the house was already engulfed in flames.
- Shortly after arrival – Eight firefighters entered wearing breathing apparatus to search for occupants.
- Following the search – Four victims were found unresponsive in an upstairs bedroom; a fifth person was rescued outside and transferred to hospital.
- After the fire was extinguished – Police and fire officers cordoned the street and began a joint investigation.
Data & Statistics
- Fatalities: 4
- Injured (hospitalised): 1
- Fire engines at the height of the incident: six (reported by several outlets)
- Firefighters who entered the property: eight, all wearing breathing apparatus
- Time of first 999 call: approximately 3:38 a.m.
On-the-Ground Reports
Neighbouring residents described hearing a woman screaming shortly before 3:30 a.m. and seeing a man—identified by locals as the children’s father—smash windows in a desperate attempt to reach those inside before being forced back by the flames. Other witnesses reported thick smoke pouring from the house and the sound of sirens waking them.
Official Statements & Responses
Kevin Longshaw, area manager for Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service, expressed condolences to the victims’ families and confirmed that fire and police teams are working together to determine the cause of the blaze. Chief Fire Officer Nick Searle reiterated that the fire “spread very rapidly” and praised the crews for their swift response, noting that the first engine arrived within minutes of the 999 call.
Verbatim Quotes
- “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.” — Kevin Longshaw, area manager at Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
- Call time: Some outlets cite the emergency call at 3:38 a.m., while others reference a 3:45 a.m. arrival without specifying the exact call time.
- Number of fire engines: Reports vary between six fire engines on scene at the height of the incident and an earlier mention of only two remaining after the main fire was extinguished.
- Details of the fifth victim: Sources confirm one person was taken to hospital with burns, but further information about their condition has not been released.
What’s Next
Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service and Merseyside Police have launched a joint investigation to establish the cause of the fire and to assess any contributing factors. Updates will be provided as the inquiry progresses.