Fire in Hertfordshire care home leaves two pensioners dead

Two people have died after a blaze broke out at a residential care home in Hertfordshire.

The fire broke out at the home in Cheshunt, in the outskirts of the Greater London area, at roughly 6am GMT on Saturday (8 April).

Fire services from three different areas attended the Newgrange Care Home to carry out the rescue, in which 33 others were safely escorted to safety.

A search was conducted for the two residents after their whereabouts could not be determined, but it was later confirmed they died.

Daryl Keen, chief fire officer at Hertfordshire Fire and Rescue Service, told the Hertfordshire Mercury: "The initial crews that arrived were faced with a very severe fire.

"They made over 30 rescues in a short space of time and they worked extremely hard in very difficult circumstances.

"Unfortunately, as a result of the fire, there has been two fatalities. Our thoughts are with the families."

Hertfordshire County Council also released a statement confirming the deaths.

"Hertfordshire Fire and Rescue were called at 5.51am to a fire at a residential care home in Cadmore Lane, Cheshunt," a spokesman said.

"Firefighters were faced with an extremely fierce fire that was well established in the first floor and the roof of the building, which has since collapsed.

"Thirty-three residents were rescued and firefighters worked closely with police and ambulance colleagues to evacuate them to a nearby emergency reception centre.

"Sadly, we can confirm that two people died in the fire and we would like to offer our sympathies to their families.

"Hertfordshire County Council is working in close cooperation with Broxbourne Council and the health service to assess the needs of the evacuated residents and arrange alternative accommodation."

A crowdfunding page setup in the aftermath of the blaze has already raised more than £600 to help residents of the care home.