A van was completely destroyed by a fire on a Huyton street this morning, causing disruption during the busy school run. Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service confirmed they were called to Twig Lane, near St Aloysius Catholic Primary School, shortly before 8:30 am on Thursday, October 16.
The owner of the vehicle informed emergency services that the fire was caused by an electrical fault with the van's heater. Fortunately, no injuries were reported as a result of the incident.
Key Takeaways
- A van fire was reported at 8:27 am on Twig Lane in Huyton.
- The incident occurred near St Aloysius Catholic Primary School during the morning drop-off period.
- The owner stated an electrical fault in the vehicle's heater was the cause.
- Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service extinguished the blaze; no injuries were reported.
- The scene was later handed over to Merseyside Police.
Emergency Response on Twig Lane
Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service (MFRS) received an alert at 8:27 am regarding a vehicle fire. Two fire engines were dispatched to the scene, arriving at 8:43 am.
Upon arrival, crews found a van that was described as being "well alight." Firefighters equipped with breathing apparatus immediately began to tackle the blaze. They used two hose reel jets to control and extinguish the flames.
Photographs and videos from the location showed the vehicle engulfed in flames, with thick smoke billowing into the air as firefighters worked from both sides to bring the fire under control.
Incident During Peak School Travel Time
The fire occurred at approximately 8:30 am, a critical time for traffic and pedestrian activity around schools. Reports from parents on social media indicated that staff at the nearby St Aloysius Catholic Primary School acted quickly to ensure children were brought safely inside the building and away from the road.
Cause of Fire Confirmed by Owner
The owner of the van was present at the scene and spoke with fire service personnel. According to the MFRS report, the owner confirmed the cause of the fire was an electrical fault linked to the vehicle's heater system.
This information helped to quickly establish that the incident was accidental and not suspicious. The fire service confirmed that there were no casualties. A spokesperson stated that no injuries or instances of smoke inhalation were reported.
The school, St Aloysius Catholic Primary School, declined to provide an official comment but it is understood that the school remained open and operational throughout the day.
Timeline of the Incident
- 8:27 am: MFRS alerted to the van fire.
- 8:43 am: Two fire engines arrive on Twig Lane.
- Approx. 9:00 am: Fire extinguished by crews.
- 9:20 am: Scene handed over to Merseyside Police.
Official Fire Service Statement
A spokesperson for Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service provided a detailed account of the response. The official statement confirmed the key details of the event and the actions taken by the crews.
"Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service (MFRS) attended an incident on Twig Lane, Huyton, on the morning of Thursday, October 16. Crews were alerted at 8.27am and on scene at 8.43am with two fire engines attending. On arrival, this was one van well alight, Firefighters wearing breathing apparatus (BA) used two hose reel jets to extinguish the fire."
The spokesperson further elaborated on the cause and the outcome of the incident, reinforcing the information provided by the vehicle's owner.
"The owner of the vehicle self-presented to Fire Service personnel and stated that the cause was due to an electrical fault with the van heater. No injuries or smoke inhalation was reported. Crews handed the scene over to Merseyside Police before leaving at 9.20am."
Scene Secured and Cleared
After the fire was fully extinguished and the immediate danger had passed, the responsibility for the scene was transferred to Merseyside Police. Fire crews left the location at 9:20 am, just under an hour after they first arrived.
The police remained on-site to manage any remaining traffic disruption and oversee the recovery of the burnt-out vehicle. The incident caused temporary delays in the area, but normal traffic flow was restored later in the morning.