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The devastating blaze which destroyed the Beechmere residential complex in Crewe started on a patio area on the roof, fire investigators said today.

Initial investigations into the cause of the fire on Thursday August 8 have found it started on a roof terrace area of the property.

Around 150 residents were evacuated and lost their homes, treasured possessions and in some cases pets in the fire.

Head of Protection Lee Shears said: “Based on the evidence available to us, it is our opinion that the fire was accidental and that the source of the ignition was on a patio/terrace area on the third floor.

“This then led to the fire spreading internally up the wall structure and into the roof space.”

Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service’s (CFRS) investigation team continue to work with a number of agencies to investigate why the fire developed and spread as it did.

They anticipate that it will be many months before they may be able to establish why the fire took hold of the building so quickly.

Cheshire East Council has welcomed the findings of the investigation.

The council’s housing options team is working with property owners Avantage (Cheshire) and with Your Housing Group to help find long-term housing for the residents.

To date, around two-thirds of the residents have been found alternative permanent homes.

Mark Palethorpe, Cheshire East Council’s acting executive director of people, said: “I would like to congratulate Cheshire Fire and Rescue for the extremely professional manner in which they have responded to this dreadful event.

“Naturally, it is a relief to learn that the cause of the fire has been found to be accidental.

“I would like to thank the local residents and the people and organisations across Crewe who have supported the people from Beechmere at this difficult time and who have been so generous with their donations of clothing, bedding, toiletries and other essential items, such as wheelchairs and walking frames.

“I would also like to thank Crewe Town Council, our staff and elected members, who all responded so swiftly to this emergency.”

Avantage has indicated its intention to rebuild the Beechmere complex and will work with the council and partner organisations on the design and construction of the new building.

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