Firefighters tackle major blaze at Alston Hall

Crews from werecalled to the 19th century hall as a raging fire ripped through the building.

Crews from across the county were called to the 19th century hall at around 10.45pm last night as a raging fire ripped through the building.

One person who was in the property at the time of the fire managed to escape the blaze but suffered an ankle injury escaping, say fire services.

The fire is said to have affected at least 30% of the building and 10 engines worked to bring the blaze under control.

Firefighters are expected to remain at the scene for most of the day to damp down the fire and begin the investigation process.

Damage to the Grade II listed hall is thought to be significant as the roof has completely given way and much of the interior has been gutted, although stone work may still be intact.

A spokesman for Lancashire Fire Services said: "When the first fire engines arrived at the scene, they found a large fire involving the three storey heritage building which is approximately 40 metres by 40 metres in size.

"The fire was affecting at least 30% of the building and firefighters requested 10 fire engines, two aerial ladder platforms and a command support unit to help bring the fire under control.

One person who was in the property at the time of the fire managed to escape the blaze.

"Due to the amount of water needed to extinguish a fire of this size and lower water pressure, firefighters needed to pump water from a nearby pond.

"At 3am, 10 fire engines and two aerial ladder platforms remained at the scene and the fire service will be at the scene for most of the day.

"The fire investigation will begin later in the morning. One person who was at the property the fire broke out hurt their ankle before firefighters arrived at the scene but there were no further reports of injuries."

Alston Hall, designed by architect Alfred Darbyshire, was built between 1874-76 for colliery owner John Mercer.

It remained a family home until 1949 when the hall was sold to Preston Borough Council for use as a Day Continuation College.

In 1974, the hall was bought by Lancashire County Council who converted it to a residential training centre but was sold last year.

The house had a "little-altered appearance and interior" with "historic joinery, plasterwork, fireplaces and light fittings throughout", according to an Historic England listing which described the property as "highly decorative".

It is thought that the hall was being renovated by its new owners, local businessmen, when the blaze broke out.