Location: Kirkby, Knowsley
Fire crews have been called to a fire at Beech Rise, Roughwood Drive, Northwood, Kirkby tonight. Crews were alerted at 8.13pm and on scene at 8.16pm after reports of a fire on a balcony on the high rise building. Five fire engines and an aerial appliance are in attendance.
Crews arrived to find a fire on a balcony on the 12th floor. Crews gained entry to the flat concerned and three firefighters began to fight the fire with a main branch hose and quickly extinguished it.
Crews searched the flat for occupants and are also searching flats above and below the location of the fire for any residents. The flat linked to the balcony where the fire has taken place has been thoroughly searched and no occupants have been found.
Fans are being used to clear smoke from the building and a full evacuation has begun. Searches of flats from floor ten to the top floor have now commenced to ensure safety of residents.
Merseyside Police are in attendance and are managing a cordon.