Stoke-on-Trent City Council is continuing to support residents and oversee recovery work following a major fire in Sandyford on Thursday evening.
Council officers were on site within an hour of the fire being reported and worked throughout the night alongside emergency services and partner organisations as part of a coordinated multi-agency response.
Four households were provided with emergency accommodation, while other families affected by the fire were able to stay with friends and relatives nearby.
Staffordshire Police has arrested two people in connection with the incident and investigations are continuing.
Building assurance officers are continuing to assess the condition of the properties and advise on the safety measures required.
Council teams have also worked with utility providers to ensure gas and electricity supplies were isolated where necessary following the fire, helping to prevent any further risk to residents and emergency responders.
Throughout the weekend, council teams supported emergency services while the area remained an investigation scene until Sunday lunchtime.
Following the emergency response phase led by Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service, responsibility for coordinating recovery arrangements transferred to the council on Monday.
Extensive work has since been carried out to secure the site and protect residents and the wider public, with ongoing monitoring of the most severely damaged buildings. Around 200 metres of security fencing has been installed around affected properties and neighbouring areas to restrict access and maintain public safety.
Recovery activity includes:
- Bringing key partners together to oversee support for residents and coordinate the recovery effort
- Providing ongoing support and advice through Housing, Adult Social Care and Housing Benefits teams.
- Working with VAST, Citizens Advice and Mind to coordinate practical, financial and wellbeing support.
- Arranging security measures at the site following concerns about unauthorised access to damaged properties.
- Coordinating street cleansing, and waste removal in the affected area.
- The council is also supporting a public appeal established through VAST to help families and households affected by the fire.
Councillor Jane Ashworth, leader of Stoke-on-Trent City Council, said: “This has been an extremely difficult and distressing incident for the residents affected.
"When I visited the scene on Friday, I spoke to residents whose homes and lives had been disrupted overnight. Hearing directly from those affected brought home the impact this fire has had on families and the wider community.
“Our priority from the outset has been keeping people safe and making sure residents have the support they need. I’d like to thank the emergency services, utility providers, community organisations and council staff who have worked tirelessly since Thursday evening.
“Our staff have been on site supporting Staffordshire Fire and Rescue and other frontline responders. We have continued to work closely with partners throughout the response, including VAST and other organisations from the voluntary and community sector.
“There is still work to do and we will continue to support affected residents and work with our partners as the recovery progresses.
"Anyone who thinks fires and disposable BBQs are harmless should look at the damage caused here. Families have been displaced, homes have been affected and emergency services have had to commit substantial resources to keeping people safe.
The council’s communities team also arranged for colleagues from social care, benefit advice and housing to be at Goldenhill Community Centre to support residents on Tuesday.
Recovery work will continue in partnership with emergency services and other organisations as monitoring and support arrangements remain in place.
Anyone who wishes to donate to support families and households affected can do so at: Sandyford Fire Recovery Fund - JustGiving
The city council has also established a dedicated 24/7 helpline for residents affected by the incident who need advice, information or support. Residents can call 01782 234441 at any time.
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