Hartlepool, UK – A major fire broke out late Saturday night at the former Odeon Cinema on York Road in Hartlepool, requiring a protracted response from Cleveland Fire Brigade. The initial call came in around 11:05 pm on October 5th, prompting the immediate dispatch of five fire appliances to the scene.
The blaze quickly engulfed the derelict building, with flames and smoke visible across the town. Firefighters battled the inferno throughout the night, using aerial ladder platforms and other specialist equipment to tackle the flames from above and contain the spread.
Cleveland Police were also on scene, closing down surrounding roads including York Road, Hart Lane and Raby Road to ensure public safety and allow firefighters to work unimpeded. Residents were advised to avoid the area while emergency services tackled the blaze.
As of 8:30 am on Sunday morning, the fire was largely under control, but two fire appliances remained at the scene, damping down hotspots and ensuring the fire was fully extinguished. Firefighters from Billingham, Hartlepool, Middlesbrough, and Stockton all participated in the operation.
The cause of the fire is currently unknown and investigations are expected to commence once the building is deemed safe. The former Odeon Cinema, a Grade II listed building dating back to the 1930s, has stood empty for a number of years. Its prominent location on York Road has made the fire a significant incident for the local community.