Merseyside Fire & Rescue Service (MFRS) crews were called to a serious house fire at Keele Close, Wirral in the early hours of Sunday 4th August. Sadly, we can confirm that a resident of the property has died.

Crews were alerted at 1.48am and were on scene in minutes. North West Ambulance Service (NWAS) and Merseyside Police also attended the incident. 

On arrival at the two-storey semi-detached property, fire crews found the ground floor involved in fire and three people were outside the property having leapt from first floor windows. All three are now being treated in hospital, their injuries are not considered life-threatening.

Six firefighters immediately entered the property wearing breathing apparatus and used hose reel jets to extinguish the fire whilst also searching for occupants.

Firefighters rescued an 8-year-old boy from inside the property. Despite extensive first aid efforts from fire crews and paramedics, he was sadly pronounced dead a short time later.

A joint investigation between MFRS and Merseyside Police has revealed that the fire was accidental.

Chief Fire Officer Phil Garrigan, who attended the incident, said:

“This has been a very tragic incident, with an incredibly sad outcome despite the best efforts of my crews. Our thoughts are very much with the family, friends and loved ones of the young boy at this time. We also know the impact that an incident like this will have on the local community and share our heartfelt condolences.

“I would like to commend the efforts of my fire control team and fire crews who acted so quickly to rescue the young boy and North West Ambulance Service colleagues who made every effort to provide emergency resuscitation."

Firefighters and MFRS prevention staff will visit the local area to provide vital fire safety advice and complete free home fire safety checks as part of a reassurance campaign in the coming days.

For free fire safety advice or to request a home fire safety check, call 0800 731 5958

Merseyside Fire & Rescue Service also provides free smoke alarms for Merseyside residents aged 65 or over or those referred by partner agencies.