Recovery work continues following major Sandyford fire

Recovery work and support for residents are continuing after the major Sandyford fire, with four properties identified as dangerous structures and a public appeal established for affected families.

Stoke-on-Trent City Council is continuing to support residents and coordinate recovery work following the major fire in Sandyford on Thursday evening.

Council officers arrived within an hour of the fire being reported and worked throughout the night alongside emergency services and partner organisations.

Four households were provided with emergency accommodation for the weekend, while other affected families stayed with friends and relatives nearby. Alternative arrangements were also made for two dogs belonging to affected households.

Staffordshire Police has arrested two people in connection with the incident and investigations are continuing.

Damaged properties remain under assessment

Building assurance and dangerous structures officers have assessed the damaged properties and continue to monitor potential risks.

Four properties have been identified as dangerous structures, while around 200 metres of security fencing has been installed around affected homes and neighbouring areas to protect residents and prevent unauthorised access.

Council teams have also worked with utility providers to isolate gas and electricity supplies where necessary. The council is working with Cadent regarding the restoration of gas supplies to affected properties.

The area remained a crime scene and fire investigation scene until Sunday lunchtime. Following the emergency response led by Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service, responsibility for coordinating the recovery transferred to the council on Monday.

Support continues for Sandyford residents

A multi agency Recovery Coordination Group has been established, bringing together representatives from housing, communities, highways, waste, finance and emergency planning.

Recovery work includes street cleansing, road sweeping, gully cleaning and waste removal. Replacement bins and skips are also being provided where required.

Housing, Adult Social Care and Housing Benefits teams are continuing to offer practical help and advice. The council is also working with VAST, Citizens Advice and Mind to coordinate financial, practical and wellbeing support.

Council staff from social care, benefit advice and housing attended Goldenhill Community Centre on Tuesday to support residents.

Councillor Jane Ashworth, leader of Stoke-on-Trent City Council, said:

“This has been an extremely difficult and distressing incident for the residents affected.

"When I visited the scene on Friday, I spoke to residents whose homes and lives had been disrupted overnight. Hearing directly from those affected brought home the impact this fire has had on families and the wider community.

“Our priority from the outset has been keeping people safe and making sure residents have the support they need. I’d like to thank the emergency services, utility providers, community organisations and council staff who have worked tirelessly since Thursday evening.

“Our staff have been on site supporting Staffordshire Fire and Rescue and other frontline responders. We have continued to work closely with partners throughout the response, including VAST and other organisations from the voluntary and community sector.

“There is still work to do and we will continue to support affected residents and work with our partners as the recovery progresses.

 "Anyone who thinks fires and disposable BBQs are harmless should look at the damage caused here. Families have been displaced, homes have been affected and emergency services have had to commit substantial resources to keeping people safe.

How to support those affected

A public appeal has been established through VAST to support families and households affected by the fire.

Donations can be made through the Sandyford Fire Recovery Fund.

The council has also established a dedicated 24 hour helpline for residents affected by the fire who need advice, information or support. The number is 01782 234441.

Recovery work will continue in partnership with emergency services and other organisations while monitoring and support arrangements remain in place.