Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service was dispatched to Fenwick Street in Liverpool city centre on Tuesday evening following reports of a fire at a commercial property. The incident occurred at the Chop Chop Korean takeaway, located in a four-storey building that also houses a hotel and residential flats.
Two fire engines arrived at the scene shortly after the call at approximately 8:50 PM on September 16. Crews worked for several hours to locate and extinguish the fire, which was found concealed within the building's structure. The operation concluded in the early hours of Wednesday morning.
Key Takeaways
- A fire broke out at the Chop Chop Korean takeaway on Fenwick Street, Liverpool city centre.
- Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service was called at 8:50 PM on Tuesday, September 16.
- The fire was located between an external fascia and the original brickwork of the building.
- Fire crews fully extinguished the blaze by 11:09 PM and left the scene after midnight.
- The incident caused visible damage to the front of the restaurant.
Emergency Response on Fenwick Street
The initial report to the emergency services detailed smoke coming from a four-storey, mixed-use building on Fenwick Street. This area, situated in the heart of Liverpool's commercial district, is typically busy, making a swift response crucial to ensure public safety.
Upon arrival, two fire crews from Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service immediately began to assess the situation. The building's composition, containing a ground-floor restaurant with a hotel and flats on the upper levels, presented a complex scenario requiring a methodical approach to ensure the safety of all occupants.
Firefighters coordinated with onsite security personnel to gain access and gather information about the building's layout. A primary and immediate action was to isolate the electrical supply to the premises, a standard procedure to prevent further risk of ignition and to ensure the safety of the emergency crews working inside.
Locating the Source of the Fire
After securing the scene, firefighters conducted a systematic search to pinpoint the origin of the smoke. The source was not immediately obvious, leading to a more detailed investigation of the property's structure.
The search revealed that the fire was smouldering in a concealed space. According to the fire service, the blaze was located between an external wooden fascia and the building's original brickwork. Further investigation found the remains of the fire nestled between the plasterboard and the brick wall within the takeaway's kitchen area.
Timeline of the Incident
- 8:50 PM, Sept 16: MFRS receives report of smoke on Fenwick Street.
- ~9:00 PM: Two fire engines arrive on scene and begin operations.
- 11:09 PM: The remains of the fire are confirmed to be fully extinguished.
- 12:10 AM, Sept 17: Firefighters leave the scene after ensuring the area is safe.
A Methodical Extinguishing Operation
Fires located within wall cavities or structural voids can be particularly challenging. They can spread unseen, making it essential for crews to be thorough in their work to prevent re-ignition. Firefighters used a single hose reel jet to tackle the smouldering materials directly.
To ensure the fire had not spread further into the structure, crews carefully removed splash back panels from the kitchen walls. This allowed them to visually inspect the surrounding areas and confirm that all hot spots were fully extinguished. This step is critical in preventing a larger, more destructive fire from developing later.
Ensuring Building and Public Safety
Once the active fire was dealt with, the focus of the operation shifted to safety and prevention. A comprehensive search of the entire building, including the hotel and flats on the upper floors, was carried out. This was done to check for any signs of smoke or fire spread that might have gone undetected.
Challenges of Fires in Mixed-Use Buildings
Fires in buildings with both commercial and residential units pose unique challenges for emergency services. The presence of commercial kitchens, complex electrical systems, and residential occupants requires a coordinated response to manage evacuation, locate the fire source, and prevent its spread through shared walls, floors, and ventilation systems.
Firefighters also extended their search to adjacent properties as a precautionary measure. This thoroughness ensures that no residual risk remains for neighbouring businesses or residents. The checks confirmed that the incident was contained to the initial location.
By 11:09 PM, the fire was officially declared fully extinguished. However, crews remained on the scene for another hour, leaving at 12:10 AM on Wednesday, September 17, after completing all safety protocols and ensuring the site was secure.
Aftermath and Damage Assessment
Following the incident, the exterior of the Chop Chop Korean restaurant showed clear signs of the fire. Photographs from the scene on Fenwick Street revealed damage to the front of the takeaway, particularly around the main entrance and signage.
Debris was visible at the entrance to the restaurant, a result of the firefighting operation and the fire itself. The extent of the internal damage, particularly within the kitchen where the fire was located, has not yet been detailed. The business will likely remain closed while assessments and repairs are carried out.
No injuries were reported in connection with the incident. The effective and diligent work of the Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service successfully contained the fire, preventing it from spreading to the hotel and residential apartments located above the restaurant.