PHOTOS: Huge blaze at new build student apartments block in Lancaster

The fire on Saturday afternoon

Emergency services were called to the scene of a fire at new build student apartments in Lancaster.

The fire broke out on Saturday afternoon at the construction site of the smaller of two blocks of flats being built on Parliament Street/Caton Road.

Flames and huge clouds of black smoke could be seen coming from the roof of the six-storey building, for miles around, with many onlookers rushing to the scene having seen the billowing smoke from Lancaster city centre. 

Up to 388 student flats are being built on the site.

The development, known as The Sailworks, is being constructed on land near Bulk Road, Parliament Street and Caton Road.

Several fire engines were called to the site just before 1pm and firefighters extinguished the fire.

Police and ambulance were also at the scene.

A senior fire officer at the scene said that nobody was hurt.

Read more: PHOTOS: New student blocks on route into Lancaster taking shape - Beyond Radio

Police closed Parliament Street for several hours following the incident.

A Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service spokesperson said: "At 12:56 on the 8th February 2025, six fire engines and an aerial ladder platform attended a commercial building fire on Caton Road/Parliament Street, Lancaster.

"Firefighters utilised the aerial ladder platform and used three hose reel jets to extinguish the fire.

"By 3pm, this incident has been reduced to three fire engines and the command support unit. Firefighters are monitoring and damping down remaining hotspots."

Below, photos from the fire on Saturday afternoon.

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