Firefighters were called to a suspected arson in a vacant former government office building.
Five appliances from Runcorn, Widnes, Lymm, Penketh and Warrington, descended on East Lane House at the junction of East Lane and Crown Gate in Runcorn at 3.13pm on Sunday. Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service (CFRS) said the blaze was on the ground floor and initially crews tackled the flames from outside with hose reel jets and wearing breathing apparatus.
A CFRS spokesperson said six firefighters entered the building including to remove debris and check adjoining rooms. They said the suspected cause was arson.
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When the ECHO attended the scene there were five fire engines present and a police car cordon blocking access to Crown Gate.
Hose reels were laid out on the ground.
The fire appeared to have died down as there was no visible sign of smoke or flames although there was a brief and faint smell of burning rubber or plastic.
A CFRS spokesperson said: “Once the fire was out the crews continued to damp down and remove combustible materials.
“A high pressure fan was used to ventilate the area and the building (was) made secure.
“Police were informed as it is believed the fire was started deliberately.”
The ECHO understands East Lane House, a former Department of Employment building, has been vacant since around 2001, remaining derelict and blighted by vandalism and arson, as well as requiring emergency service attendance to deal with trespassers, some of whom have had to be hosed down due to suspected asbestos.
Extensive asbestos removal took place several years ago and the building was boarded up following an untidy land notice imposed by Halton Borough Council.
Planning permission is in place for a mixed redevelopment of the "eyesore" including converting the street-facing block into a hotel with rooftop bar and demolishing the remainder of the structures and yard to be rebuilt as flats, a care home and townhouses.
Work was reported to have stalled due to a stalemate between the developer Shah Capital and local authority Halton Borough Council over securing a Section 106 agreement.
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