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Family who escaped Lancaster council flats fire 'in shock' after blaze wrecks home

Thursday, 28 August 2025 08:05

By Greg Lambert X @greglam72

Bronte House during the fire on Tuesday.

A resident of council flats in Lancaster ravaged by a fire says he has no idea when his family will be allowed to go home.

Vincent Priestley, his partner Jorja and two-year-old son escaped their top floor flat after the fire broke out at Bronte House on the Vale estate on Tuesday.

The entire apartment block had to be evacuated and Mr Priestley, his family and other residents are currently being housed at the Travelodge in Morecambe as their homes are uninhabitable from fire damage.

Lancaster City Council said they are "working swiftly to enable residents to return to their homes as soon as it is safe to do so".

They said a full clean-up and property assessments, and investigations are being carried out after the fire.

Mr Priestley said: "They have booked us into the hotel for the next seven days.

"They have said they are looking at getting us a property, but no idea how long it may take.

"A few others are in the Premier Inn in Lancaster.

"Half the building is fine and can be stayed in. Our flat, on the top floor, is the worst.

"People living in the right hand side of the building have been allowed home."

Mr Priestley said he and his family were "in shock and a bit hysterical" after the fire.

There were no casualties.

Here are photos of fire damage at Bronte House, including to Mr Priestley's flat.

A council spokesperson said: “Lancaster City Council is continuing to work closely with residents affected by the fire at Bronte House, Lancaster, yesterday.

“Twelve flats were affected at the Shakespeare Road property and council officers liaised with all residents to provide emergency overnight accommodation.

“Our teams are on site as the cleanup operation gets underway and we also have support in place for residents, who are being kept updated.

“We are working swiftly to enable residents to return to their homes as soon as it is safe to do so.

"Some residents will be able to move back into their homes on Wednesday, while temporary accommodation has been arranged for those who are currently unable to return while assessments and repairs continue.

“Council officers have accompanied residents to retrieve their belongings, and their welfare and wellbeing remain our highest priority.

“A full clean-up operation is underway and property assessments are continuing. Investigations will be carried out.

“We would like to thank all of the residents for their patience, and we remain committed to supporting them during this time.

“If anyone has any concerns or queries, please contact our customer services team on 01524 582929.”

Several roads were temporarily closed after the fire broke out at the flats on Shakespeare Road at 1.39pm on Tuesday.

Below, fire crews at the scene on Tuesday afternoon.

"Six fire engines and the aerial ladder platform were called to a domestic building fire," said a spokesperson for Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service.

"Firefighters used six breathing apparatus, one 45mm jet, one hose reel and the aerial ladder platform to tackle the fire."

Read more: Roads closed after fire breaks out at Lancaster council flats - Beyond Radio

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