EVACUATED families living on surrounding roads when fire broke out at a garage in Marsh House Lane have described the ‘real wartime spirit’ among residents as they were taken to Fairfield Community Centre.

A six-month-old baby and four dogs were among the residents housed at the centre during Thursday’s fire in Fairfield.

Two families stayed in a Travelodge over night and one elderly man with a hip problem was taken to a care home while the majority of residents stayed with family members until being allowed home around 10pm.

Clr Peter Carey (Lab – Fairfieldand Howley) said about 30 people used the centre at its busiest.

He added: “Everybody mucked in and did what they could.

“We got the doors open at 6pm and the tea brewing.

“Everyone was in good spirits inspite of the problems.”

Residents living on Elaine Street, which backs on to the garage had to leave their homes overnight.

Sarah Platt and her daughter Lia, aged five, spent the night at her dad’s house after being told she would not be allowed home.

She said: “Our biggest concern was whether the gas cannisters were going to go off.

“Lia loved it though, she thought it was like camping!”

John Garratt, aged 53, and his wife Angela, aged 54, went to the centre before staying with their daughter in St Helens.

John said: “We could see the smoke billowing when we got back but the firefighters were there so we thought it wouldn’t take long.

“There was a buzz in the centre, a few of the kids there found it exciting. The services were fantastic and kept us informed.”