Dozens of residents evacuated following large fire at block of flats in busy street in Northampton

Emergency services were called to a fire at a residential building in St Leonards Road, Far Cotton, at 3.25pm on Sunday, January 4.

A spokesperson for Northamptonshire Police said: “Police were called to reports of a fire at a building in St Leonards Road, Far Cotton, Northampton, at 3.25pm yesterday (Sunday, January 4).

“Officers attended the scene to assist colleagues from Northamptonshire Fire and Rescue Service and the East Midlands Ambulance Service.”

A Northamptonshire Fire and Rescue Service spokeswoman said: “We were called shortly before 3:15pm to reports of a fire in a block of flats on St Leonards Road in Northampton yesterday (January 4). “Crews wearing breathing apparatus used hose-reel jets to put out the fire, which had started in a ground-floor flat.

“By 4:30pm the fire had been extinguished and crews had isolated electrics to the property.

“Three people who were helped out of the building by firefighters were left in the care of EMAS and the scene was handed over to Northamptonshire Police.

“An investigation into the cause of the fire is due to take place today.”

A West Northants Council spokeswoman said: “Our emergency planning team was contacted by the fire service yesterday during the incident and were on standby to respond should the council’s support be required.

“The building complex is managed by Nottingham Community Housing Association which is responding to the incident and arranging accommodation for affected tenants.”

Eyewitnesses told the Chron that some residents were seen jumping from windows. Several people were taken to hospital, while others were provided with emergency accommodation. West Northamptonshire Council has been contacted for comment.

One eyewitness said: “One person was already at the scene calling 999 when we arrived and stayed calm throughout, remaining with residents until late to make sure everyone was okay. A downstairs window was smashed to let smoke out, which probably saved someone’s life.

“Other members of the public arrived while we were helping a second resident jump down, and someone suggested using a wheelie bin to reduce the drop. At least three people helped catch them, while others gathered nearby to offer help. It was really a community effort.”