Menu
15/08/2008
Fire Crews Tackle Hotel Blaze
A probe is underway after a major fire broke out at a Darlington hotel.
Around 50 firefighters tackled the inferno at the King's Head in Priestgate when it broke out at 12.30am this morning.
It is understood the fire began on the fourth floor and has now caused so much damage that the building is in danger of collapsing.
Fire teams from Darlington, County Durham and North Yorkshire fought the blaze.
Part of a bridge was even dismantled, allowing fire teams to pumps thousands of gallons from the River Skerne which runs through the town centre.
Hotel guests have been moved to other hotels and to the local Dolphin Leisure Centre.
The Blackwell Grange has also agreed to take as many evacuees as it can.
Chief Inspector Unsworth, of Durham Police said that hotel staff did a "marvellous job during the night".
"There were no casualties and they managed to account for everyone in the hotel.
"The fire service is still very busy, it was a good co-ordinated response."
It is reported that the brigade has managed to stop the blaze spreading to the Cormill Shopping Centre.
Eyewitness Kelly Reynolds, of Darlington said: "The flames could be seen from miles away – it looked like the whole town centre was on fire. The smoke and flames seemed to fill the sky."
The King's Head boasted a ballroom, six conference rooms, the Northgate Restaurant, a Cocktail Bar and a lounge on the ground floor.
Just last month, it changed its name from the King's Head Hotel to the King's Hotel.
It is not the first time a fire has struck the hotel.
In 1990, 11 people were taken to Darlington Memorial Hospital suffering from the effects of smoke inhalation when a fire started.
(DS)
Around 50 firefighters tackled the inferno at the King's Head in Priestgate when it broke out at 12.30am this morning.
It is understood the fire began on the fourth floor and has now caused so much damage that the building is in danger of collapsing.
Fire teams from Darlington, County Durham and North Yorkshire fought the blaze.
Part of a bridge was even dismantled, allowing fire teams to pumps thousands of gallons from the River Skerne which runs through the town centre.
Hotel guests have been moved to other hotels and to the local Dolphin Leisure Centre.
The Blackwell Grange has also agreed to take as many evacuees as it can.
Chief Inspector Unsworth, of Durham Police said that hotel staff did a "marvellous job during the night".
"There were no casualties and they managed to account for everyone in the hotel.
"The fire service is still very busy, it was a good co-ordinated response."
It is reported that the brigade has managed to stop the blaze spreading to the Cormill Shopping Centre.
Eyewitness Kelly Reynolds, of Darlington said: "The flames could be seen from miles away – it looked like the whole town centre was on fire. The smoke and flames seemed to fill the sky."
The King's Head boasted a ballroom, six conference rooms, the Northgate Restaurant, a Cocktail Bar and a lounge on the ground floor.
Just last month, it changed its name from the King's Head Hotel to the King's Hotel.
It is not the first time a fire has struck the hotel.
In 1990, 11 people were taken to Darlington Memorial Hospital suffering from the effects of smoke inhalation when a fire started.
(DS)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
08 May 2009
Heroic Tyne Firemen Honoured
Two Tyne and Wear firefighters are to be recognised for their bravery at a special ceremony today. Andrew Nelson and Allan Richardson will be presented with the Chief Fire Officer's Commendations for brave and meritorious conduct after saving a man's life. The men took part in a dramatic rescue in the early hours of 4 February.
Heroic Tyne Firemen Honoured
Two Tyne and Wear firefighters are to be recognised for their bravery at a special ceremony today. Andrew Nelson and Allan Richardson will be presented with the Chief Fire Officer's Commendations for brave and meritorious conduct after saving a man's life. The men took part in a dramatic rescue in the early hours of 4 February.
31 August 2006
Firefighters launch four-day strike
More than 1,000 firefighters across Merseyside have begun a four-day strike in protest over planned job cuts. Another four-day stoppage is scheduled to begin two hours after the first one ends.
Firefighters launch four-day strike
More than 1,000 firefighters across Merseyside have begun a four-day strike in protest over planned job cuts. Another four-day stoppage is scheduled to begin two hours after the first one ends.
01 October 2013
Guests Evacuated After Cambridge Hotel Fire
Some 150 people have been evacuated from a hotel in Cambridge after a fire broke out at around 6am on Tuesday morning. More than 60 firefighters from Cambridgeshire, Suffolk and Hertfordshire tackled the blaze at the De Vere University Arms Hotel in Cambridge city centre.
Guests Evacuated After Cambridge Hotel Fire
Some 150 people have been evacuated from a hotel in Cambridge after a fire broke out at around 6am on Tuesday morning. More than 60 firefighters from Cambridgeshire, Suffolk and Hertfordshire tackled the blaze at the De Vere University Arms Hotel in Cambridge city centre.
03 March 2010
Suspicious Glasgow Car Fires
Detectives in Glasgow's East End are investigating a spate of vehicle fire attacks in the city yesterday. Shortly after 3.30am police were called to a report of a vehicle fire in Ashvale Crescent, Glasgow. Upon arrival police were advised by Strathclyde Fire Service that four vehicles had been damaged by fire.
Suspicious Glasgow Car Fires
Detectives in Glasgow's East End are investigating a spate of vehicle fire attacks in the city yesterday. Shortly after 3.30am police were called to a report of a vehicle fire in Ashvale Crescent, Glasgow. Upon arrival police were advised by Strathclyde Fire Service that four vehicles had been damaged by fire.
19 November 2008
Chief Fire Officer Resigns Over Child Porn Arrest
A top fire officer for the West Midlands Fire Service has resigned after he was arrested on suspicion of making indecent images of children. West Midlands Police arrested Frank Sheehan, 55, yesterday at his home in Sutton Coldfield.
Chief Fire Officer Resigns Over Child Porn Arrest
A top fire officer for the West Midlands Fire Service has resigned after he was arrested on suspicion of making indecent images of children. West Midlands Police arrested Frank Sheehan, 55, yesterday at his home in Sutton Coldfield.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:It will be cloudy again throughout the day. Mainly dry in the morning, but patchy drizzle in places, becoming more widespread and persistent in the afternoon. Freshening southwesterly winds. Maximum temperature 12 °C.Tonight:Cloudy with a spell of heavy rain pushing south through late evening and the early hours, followed by some clear spells. Minimum temperature 6 °C.
