HOMES were evacuated as firefighters tackled a first floor fire in Runcorn.
The roof of the Falmouth Place property collapsed after firefighters arrived to find the fire well developed at 11.54pm last night.
Two fire engines from Runcorn and one from Widnes were tackling the blaze and managed to keep it contained to the one house.
Some firefighters used breathing apparatus to tackle the blaze.
A building inspector deemed the roof to be in a dangerous condition and requested a contractor demolish part of it.
Fire crews helped remove loose roof tiles before the building was declared safe by structural engineers.
One fire engine still remains at the scene this morning.
A fire investigation has been launched in conjunction with the police.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here