Church fire deemed accidental

A large fire at a church in Stoke-on-Trent started accidentally, a fire investigation has confirmed.

Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service were called to St John the Evangelist on the A34 Newcastle Road, Trent Vale, at 2.35am on Wednesday morning (20 April).

Crews including Newcastle, Hanley, Longton, Stone, Eccleshall and Sandyford attended the scene alongside specialist service vehicles including the aerial ladder platform (ALP).

Thankfully, no-one was inside the church at the time.

A temporary road closure was put in place and crews used breathing apparatus, hose reel jets and a main jet to bring the fire under control.

The fire was extinguished at around 5.20am.

Following an investigation, the cause of the fire is believed to be accidental; as a result of an electrical appliance fault.

Station Manager Lee Chevin said: “Our crews worked incredibly hard in difficult conditions to bring this fire under control, but it has sadly caused serious damage to this historic building.

“I would like to thank the community of St John the Evangelist for their support as crews worked to tackle the blaze. We understand and appreciate the impact this incident has had and will continue to work closely with them.”

For information and advice about fire safety please visit: https://www.staffordshirefire.gov.uk/your-safety/