Search for casualties after fire at former Heywood pub

Sunday, 18 January 2026 20:38

By David Murphy

Emergency services comb building as derelict White Lion pub catches fire again

A fire broke out at a disused pub in Heywood on Sunday evening, prompting a full emergency response and a search for anyone who may have been trapped inside.

The former White Lion pub on York Street, which has remained closed since a fatal crash in 2024, caught fire shortly before 6pm on 18 January. Smoke was seen billowing from the building as fire crews arrived to tackle the blaze.

Three fire engines from Rochdale and Bury were sent to the scene. Crews worked to extinguish flames on the first floor using hose reels, and later remained at the site to carry out safety checks and ensure the building was secure.

The Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service confirmed that a search of the building was carried out amid the fire, but no casualties were found.

The cause of the blaze has not yet been determined.

The pub has stood empty since July 2024, when 23-year-old Will Place died after the car he was driving crashed into the building and caught fire. The incident occurred shortly after officers had attempted to stop the vehicle on Bolton Road. The impact caused significant structural damage to the pub and sparked a fire at the time.

Since then, the premises had remained boarded up and out of use, to our understanding, until the inquest is concluded for Will Place, the insurance providers will not pay out to either full demolish, and or rebuild the property. The inquest has been delayed until September 2026.

Emergency services have not yet confirmed whether Sunday's fire is being treated as suspicious. Enquiries into the incident are ongoing.

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