Bluecoat Chambers

[Cadfael]

With the massive refurb, I'm shocked that a sprinkler system wasn't in place in the kitchen area.

[shoney]

With the massive refurb, I'm shocked that a sprinkler system wasn't in place in the kitchen area.

maybe it was , the fire looks pretty localised luckily

[AK1]

It does seem that the damage was kept to a minimum, probably because of the automatic fire alarm system that was installed. It does seem strange that a sprinkler system may not have been installed in the kitchen.
I suppose we will find out more over the coming days.

[ChrisGeorge]

It does seem that the damage was kept to a minimum, probably because of the automatic fire alarm system that was installed. It does seem strange that a sprinkler system may not have been installed in the kitchen.
I suppose we will find out more over the coming days.

Glad the fire was not as bad as had been feared.

The photograph reminds me, with the Georgian architecture, of the British burning of the White House. . .

Chris

[PhilipG]

Just got back from town and took a few snaps.
Will post later tonight.
I think it was more extensive than we first thought.
All the windows on one side of the building were open and the smell of smoke was quite strong.

[fortinian]

The smell of smoke has very little to do with the severity of the fire, I know having experienced a rather minor fire (cardboard in dustbins at the back of a shop) and yet the smell lingered strongly for at least a week.

[ChrisGeorge]

The smell of smoke has very little to do with the severity of the fire, I know having experienced a rather minor fire (cardboard in dustbins at the back of a shop) and yet the smell lingered strongly for at least a week.

Hello fortinian

I am sure what you are saying is true. It depends what is being burned. A marked nasty burning smell might not denote extensive damage. Excellent point, fortinian.

All the best

Chris

[PhilipG]

Thanks for your kind words.
Hope your remarks about the photos won't be so snotty.

[A.D.W]

All that money spent and the place nearly burns down!



Fine pictures, PG.

[naked lilac]

Ta for the pics Philip G. , it gives people (like myself) , across the seas , a better perspective of the place.. And what happened ...

Glad the building is still standing..

[lindylou]

Thanks for the update Philip.

[Howie]

Bluecoat Arts Centre chief: We will soon be back
May 14 2008
Richard Down, Liverpool Daily Post



THE iconic Bluecoat arts centre will rise again, management has vowed after fire threatened to destroy Liverpool’s oldest building.

Only a brand new automatic fire alarm that was tested hours before flames took hold prevented a disaster, the Daily Post can reveal.

More...

[Cadfael]

I remember one of the classrooms at St Margarets was well alight with some loon throwing a bin through the window and then setting fire to it. Luckily, the fire didn't spread anywhere at all but just the one room, but you could smell the smoke for months after - probably down to never having been aired properly.

(Kev, it was the foyer, enter the new block, past the toilets, past the cloakroom and it was the 1st room ground floor opposite the massive set of lockers.)

[Howie]

Firefighters’ verdict on Bluecoat blaze probe
May 14 2008
by Michelle Fiddler, Liverpool Echo



FIRE investigators were today expected to say what may have caused the blaze which swept through Bluecoat Arts centre.

The fire started in the first floor kitchen of the School Lane building which was only reopened two months ago following a £12.5m redevelopment.

The blaze broke out at about 4am yesterday with smoke spreading to the first-floor restaurant and offices on the second floor.

Early estimates suggest around 80% of the building escaped undamaged.

But it could be months before the kitchen and restaurant are reopened.

Bluecoat chief executive Alastair Upton said: “Obviously we are shocked and saddened that this has happened.

“We are working hard to get the Bluecoat open for our tenant occupiers and the public again as soon as possible.

“We would like to thank the Merseyside Fire Brigade and National Museums Liverpool disaster recovery team for their help.”

Source: Liverpool Echo

[Howie]

Investigators probe Bluecoat blaze
May 15 2008
by Richard Down, Liverpool Daily Post

FIRE investigators are continuing to build up a picture of what led up to the blaze that hit the Bluecoat arts centre in Liverpool.

More...