An unused pub in a village near Stone was set on fire in a freak incident which saw lightning strike the roof of the property and start a severe fire.
Four crews from Stone, Stafford and Longton, as well as the aerial ladder platform from Stafford, were called to The Wheatsheaf on Uttoxeter Road in Milwich just before 9.15pm on 9th May.
They were faced with a severe fire involving the roof and both floors of the property. A family living in an adjoining property had to evacuate. They were all safely outside on arrival.
Station manager Brian Griffiths said: “We tackled the fire using three main jets and have been at the incident overnight monitoring hot spots. A building inspector was called to attend this morning to assess the extent of the damage before we could enter ourselves.
“The building has now been deemed unsafe to enter. We were told by the people who reported the fire that the pub had been struck by lightning. This is obviously an unusual and rare thing to happen but thankfully no-one was harmed and nearby residents were able to escape from their homes safely.”
5 comments
Kate Bufton
Yes, There are still people living in it and they own the farm behind it.
I live there as i am partner to the son of the chap that owns it. The Wheatsheaf pub was closed down fifteen years ago as the landlady (my partners mum) passed away very suddenly. The pub remains dissused but we do still live there and run the dairy farm behind it. Myself and my partner were stood in the property when the lightning struck and i have never experienced anything so frightening. We are all extreamly shaken and upset but atleast nobody was hurt. Please feel free to contact me for more info. Kate.
Angelal
Hi kate do you still live behind the wheatsheaf your partners mom
Is my auntie and i would like to keep in touch please message me thanks Angela v
Jamie Summerfield
Hi Kate. Many thanks for getting in touch. It sounds like a nightmare. Hope you’re all OK
Jon Cook
I’ve passed this old pub on many an occasion and wondered what the history was with why it was unused.
Where people still living in it?
Jamie Summerfield
Hi Jon. I don’t know anything about its history to be honest. Can anyone else help??