Fire crews on scene of incident at Lancashire Hill flats

Key Points

• Fire crews from across Greater Manchester and an aerial appliance from Bolton Central fire station responded to a bedroom fire at Lancashire Hill flats in Stockport at around 10.40am on Tuesday, January 20, 2026.
• The incident is believed to be in The Bentleys building, with pictures showing multiple fire engines outside and a smashed window on the second floor.
• Crews wearing breathing apparatus used a safety jet, three smoke curtains, a gas monitor, and a battery positive pressure ventilator to extinguish the fire; firefighters remain on scene to dampen down.
• This marks the second fire incident at Lancashire Hill in as many weeks, following a blaze on January 8 in Hanover Towers where four fire engines attended.
• Staff from social housing landlord Stockport Homes are patrolling four blocks—Clarkethorne Terrace, The Longsons, The Bentleys, and Stonemill Terrace—24 hours a day due to major fire safety concerns over fire doors and ventilation systems.
• Stockport Council agreed to launch an investigation into ‘serious mismanagement’ by Stockport Homes after concerns raised by Councillor James Frizzell at a town hall meeting on January 15.
• Stockport Homes stated they are ‘deeply disappointed’, undertaking an independent review, starting repairs, maintaining 24-hour patrols, and keeping residents informed.

Inverted Pyramid News Story

Stockport (Stockport Chronicle) January 20, 2026 – Fire crews are responding to a bedroom fire at a block of flats on Lancashire Hill in Stockport this afternoon, with multiple engines pictured outside The Bentleys building.​

A spokesperson for Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS) confirmed that at around 10.40am today, fire engines from across Greater Manchester and an aerial appliance from Bolton Central fire station attended the incident. “Crews wearing breathing apparatus arrived quickly and used a safety jet, three smoke curtains, a gas monitor and a battery positive pressure ventilator to extinguish the fire,” the GMFRS spokesperson said. “Firefighters remain in attendance at this time to dampen down the area.”​

Pictures from the scene show a smashed-through window on the second floor of the building, though further details on the cause or any injuries have not yet been confirmed. The Manchester Evening News has contacted GMFRS for additional information, with updates expected via their live blog.​

What sparked the latest fire at Lancashire Hill flats?

This incident in The Bentleys building follows closely on the heels of another blaze at Lancashire Hill just weeks ago. On January 8, four fire engines were called to a fire in Hanover Towers, prompting a huge emergency response.​

As reported by journalists at the Manchester Evening News, the latest event has heightened scrutiny on fire safety at the site, where flats are managed by social housing landlord Stockport Homes. Eyewitness images circulating online depict several fire engines stationed outside, underscoring the scale of the response.​

The Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service has not yet released information on casualties or the fire’s origin, but crews are continuing their efforts on site.

Why are fire crews attending Lancashire Hill so frequently?

The M.E.N previously reported how staff are patrolling four blocks at Lancashire Hill—Clarkethorne Terrace, The Longsons, The Bentleys, and Stonemill Terrace—’24 hours a day’ over major concerns about fire safety.​

During a meeting at Stockport town hall on January 15, Councillor James Frizzell highlighted issues with fire doors and ventilation systems that have caused alarm among residents and officials. The council agreed to launch an investigation into what Coun. Frizzell described as ‘serious mismanagement’ by Stockport Homes.​

This pattern of incidents has fuelled worries about ongoing risks in the neighbourhood.

What is Stockport Homes saying about the fire safety crisis?

A Stockport Homes spokesperson addressed the situation directly: “We are deeply disappointed about the recent issues at Lancashire Hill and are taking them extremely seriously.” The spokesperson added, “An independent review will be undertaken to fully understand what has happened and ensure lessons are acted upon.”​

“In the meantime, repairs are already underway, and 24-hour building safety patrols remain in place until all work is completed as soon as possible,” the statement continued. “Residents are being kept fully informed throughout, and we continue to work closely with them to ensure safety standards are met and maintained at all times.”​

These measures come amid accusations levelled at the landlord during the recent council discussions.

What happened in the previous incident at Hanover Towers?

Just over a week prior, on January 8, a significant fire broke out in Hanover Towers at Lancashire Hill, drawing four fire engines to the scene. As covered by the Manchester Evening News, this ‘huge emergency response’ highlighted vulnerabilities in the complex.​

Details from that event parallel today’s response, with firefighters tackling the blaze amid similar safety concerns. No specific cause was detailed in initial reports, but it contributed to the escalation of patrols and investigations.

How are residents being affected by these fires?

Residents at Lancashire Hill flats are enduring repeated disruptions, with the latest bedroom fire forcing evacuations and ongoing dampening efforts. Pictures shared by onlookers show the smashed window, suggesting possible structural damage or escape attempts.​

Stockport Homes emphasises close communication with tenants, but the back-to-back incidents have amplified fears. The 24-hour patrols across the four named blocks aim to mitigate immediate risks while repairs proceed.

What role is Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service playing?

GMFRS acted swiftly today, deploying specialist equipment including breathing apparatus, safety jets, smoke curtains, gas monitors, and positive pressure ventilators. Their spokesperson noted the rapid arrival and effective extinguishment of the bedroom fire.​

Firefighters are still on scene, a standard procedure to prevent reignition. The service has been contacted by multiple outlets, including the Manchester Evening News, for further updates on this and prior incidents.​

What investigations are underway following the incidents?

Stockport Council’s probe into Stockport Homes’ management stems from Coun. James Frizzell’s January 15 statements on fire doors and ventilation. An independent review by the landlord will probe recent events to draw lessons.​

Repairs have commenced, with patrols ensuring round-the-clock oversight. These steps reflect a multi-agency effort to address systemic issues at Lancashire Hill.

When did fire safety concerns first emerge at Lancashire Hill?

Concerns predate these fires, with the M.E.N reporting 24-hour patrols as a direct response to heightened risks. The blocks involved—Clarkethorne Terrace, The Longsons, The Bentleys, and Stonemill Terrace—have been focal points.​

Councillor Frizzell’s town hall remarks on January 15 formalised the push for accountability, leading to the council’s investigation agreement.

What do pictures from the scene reveal?

Images captured this afternoon show multiple fire engines parked outside The Bentleys, with a prominent smashed window on the second floor. As noted by on-scene reporters, these visuals confirm the incident’s location and intensity.​

Additional photographs depict firefighters actively working, aligning with GMFRS descriptions of their equipment and tactics.

Will there be more updates on this incident?

Live blogs from the Manchester Evening News promise ongoing coverage, with GMFRS statements awaited. Stockport Homes and council officials may issue further comments as investigations progress.​

Residents and observers are urged to follow official channels for safety advice amid the dampening operations.

This developing story at Lancashire Hill underscores persistent fire safety challenges in Stockport’s social housing. With two incidents in weeks, authorities face pressure to deliver lasting solutions. The full response from GMFRS and Stockport Homes will shape the path forward for affected residents.