A 999 CALLER put a huge strain on Cheshire Fire’s resources last night after falsely claiming a Northwich shop was on fire and people inside were screaming.

The service has now put out a warning on the dangers of making malicious calls, after four fire engines, ambulance staff and a fire investigation officer had to be stood down.

Shortly before 8.10pm on August 25, North West Fire Control received a call reporting a fire at the Tesco Express convenience store on the corner of Chester Road and Zion Street in Castle, Northwich.

The caller reported ‘flames coming from the front of the store’ and that ‘screams could be heard from people inside’.

A spokesperson for Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service said: “Cheshire Fire quickly dispatched two fire engines from Northwich and two from Winsford.

“North West Ambulance Service was informed and the service's medical director, a senior incident commander and a fire investigation officer were mobilised.

“The service's communications team was put on standby for a potentially serious incident.
“The first fire engine to arrive found no sign of fire.”

The services concluded this was a malicious call and all other resources were stood down.

The spokesperson continued: “Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service takes hoax calls extremely seriously.

“They divert life-saving resources from incidents where people might need our help.

“In this case, a significant number of vehicles and people were mobilised.

“Anyone with information about this incident can call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or Cheshire Police on 101. 
“Anyone caught making a hoax call could face criminal charges and even a prison sentence.

“If such calls are made from a mobile phone, that phone number can be permanently disconnected from the network.”