A blaze broke out on the first day of term at the Dean Trust Ardwick Secondary School on Thursday night (January 4), with parents told that their children should not attend on Friday.
The fire, that tore through a classroom on the third floor of a school building, prompted a huge emergency services response, with police closing Stockport Road in both directions.
Eight fire engines, and technical response units and police, cordoned off the main road shortly before 7.30pm as the blaze was brought under control on Thursday evening. The cause of the fire has not yet been confirmed.
Try MEN Premium now with our amazing New Year offer… just click here to give it a try.
In a statement issued by headteacher Mr Steven Worthington on Thursday evening, parents were told the school would be shut the following day, Friday (January 5). It was reported that the building was evacuated after the alarm rang and that the fire was confined to one classroom, thought to be in the English department.
A statement issued by Mr Worthington said: “Some of you may have heard reports of a fire in the school building. To confirm, there was a fire reported in the school building after hours and the school was evacuated. The fire was contained in one classroom and has been put out by the emergency services.
“The emergency services continue to remain onsite in order to deal with smoke ventilation. At this stage, without having further information, we are making the decision to close the school to all Year Groups tomorrow (Friday 5th January). Please do not send your child/children to school tomorrow, Friday 5th January. We will update you with more information tomorrow and, if necessary, over the weekend.”
Plumes of smoke could be seen escaping from a window at the school as fire engines continued to arrive at the scene late into Thursday night. Stockport Road remained blocked off for a number of hours until the scene was scaled down.
A spokesperson for Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS) said, “At around 7:30pm this evening (Thursday, 4th January), firefighters were called to reports of a fire at the Dean Trust School in Ardwick.
“Eight fire engines from Gorton, Moss Side, Salford, Philips Park, Blackley, Manchester Central and Withington fire stations, as well as several specialist appliances are currently at the scene involving a fire in a classroom of the school.
“Firefighters are using hose reels and breathing apparatus to bring the fire under control. Greater Manchester Police (GMP) have closed Stockport Road and ask residents to avoid the area until further notice. Road closures are expected to be in place for some time.”
William Turner is a seasoned U.K. correspondent with a deep understanding of domestic affairs. With a passion for British politics and culture, he provides insightful analysis and comprehensive coverage of events within the United Kingdom.
