Blaze at derelict house

FIRE crews from Hollins and Oldham spent two hours battling a blaze at a derelict house in Hill Farm Close, Fitton Hill, yesterday.

Although the property was severely damaged, the fire-fighters prevented it spreading to an adjoining property.

Three people in the adjoining house had to evacuate and watched helplessly as the drama unfolded, but they were later allowed to return to their home.

Fire crews used a hydraulic platform to reach the flames in the roof.

The incident, just after 10.30pm, was the latest in a spate of fires which have ravaged derelict properties across the estate.

The cause of last night’s blaze is the subject of a fire service and police investigation, but many of the fires over recent months have been set by arsonists.