A community in Blackpool is praying that the two children involved in a house fire in Blackpool get the ‘best possible outcome’.
A couple in their 20s were killed after a fire on Peter Street which was attended by police and the fire service at 2.39am yesterday (17 July).
The cause of the fire is under investigation and police said they are keeping an open mind. But attention has turned to the two children affected by the fire. A baby son of the couple is in hospital in a ‘very poorly condition’. The second child, a boy aged four, is also in hospital.
Chris Webb, MP for Blackpool South, told The Blackpool Lead: “I am deeply saddened by the news of two of my constituents tragically losing their lives in a house fire on Peter Street this morning. I am hoping for the best possible outcomes for the two children currently being treated in hospital.
“My thoughts and prayers are with their loved ones and the entire community at this difficult time.
“I would like to send my personal thanks to the brave neighbour who reportedly rescued one of the children from the fire as well as our emergency services including the fearless firefighters who tackled the blaze.”
It has been reported that Jake Hartill, who asked not to speak to reporters, saved the boy from the flames by smashing the glass panel in the front door.
A neighbour told The Blackpool Gazette that they heard screaming and a big bang before witnessing Hartill smashing the window to rescue one of the children.
Scene of the fire in Blackpool. Credit: The Blackpool Lead
By evening, floral tributes had been laid in memory of the couple who died in the fire.
Ivan Taylor, Labour councillor for Claremont on Blackpool Council, told The Blackpool Lead: “It’s an awful tragedy.
“I think there's a sense of despair and shock and sadness that that can happen to a family. That’s the overwhelming feeling people have about it. It’s absolutely tragic.
“Obviously there’ll be investigations and stuff and until then the fact is that’s an absolutely terrible thing to happen. I just feel so sorry for the relations and people who know them.”
“When I heard yesterday I was really shocked and saddened by it. If there’s anything we can do as an authority, we will do.”
Social media has been awash with theories as to how the fire took place but police have asked for patience and said that speculation is unhelpful.
Chf Supt Mike Gladwin, West Divisional Commander for Lancashire Constabulary, said: “This incident has resulted in two people losing their lives and my thoughts are with their loved ones at this extremely distressing time.
“I know this tragic news will be met with great sadness in the local community and people will want instant answers.
“However, there are grieving loved ones still trying to come to terms with this devastating news. With that in mind, I would ask for patience and that people avoid unhelpful and upsetting speculation.”
A spokesperson for Lancashire Fire & Rescue Service said: "At 02:35 on Wednesday, 17th July 2024, four fire engines from Blackpool, South Shore, and Bispham fire stations attended a fire involving a domestic property on Peter Street in Blackpool. Crews used three hose reels, six breathing apparatus, and two positive pressure ventilation fans to fight the fire. One fire engine remains at the scene.
"Tragically, a woman in her 20s was found deceased at the scene. A man in his 20s was later pronounced deceased at Blackpool Victoria Hospital.
"Our thoughts are with their loved ones at this devastating time. Two children have been taken to hospital for treatment. One of them is very poorly. Work is ongoing with our colleagues from Lancashire Police to establish the cause of the fire.
"We would ask anyone who saw or captured anything suspicious on their CCTV, doorbell or dashcam in the Peter Street area in the early hours of this morning to call 101 or report it via the Lancashire Police website. Quote log 97 of 17th July 2024."
