The former Jak’s nightclub erupted into flames last weekend
Specialist demolition teams are assessing the damage(Image: Wigan Council)
Part of a former nightclub is now being demolished after a possible arson attack sparked a major fire over the weekend. Emergency services were called to the old Jak’s nightclub on King Street at around 10.30pm on Saturday (November 22).
The busy road was closed by police, as the blaze led to the evacuation and closure of nearby bars. Locals living in homes close to the fire were also asked to temporary leave as crews dealt with the fire.
Reef Bar and Terrace, which is next door, said it evacuated. In a Facebook post early on Sunday, the bar praised its staff, security and DJs, saying: “All carried out an effective and safe evacuation and have all done really well working in an unfamiliar environment tonight. The team is an absolute asset.”
Fire at Jumpin Jaks club in Wigan
The Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service used a drone to survey the site from above and urged people to avoid the area. A cordon was put in place as revellers watched on.
Videos posted on social media showed the major emergency services response and flames tearing through the derelict building, with plumes of smoke sent billowing into the sky.
The former Jak’s nightclub erupted into flames last weekend(Image: The Wigan Runner)
In an update, Greater Manchester Police said that the incident is currently being investigated as a possible arson by CID teams. The force has not yet revealed whether any arrests have been made.
The road, in the town centre, has remained closed off ever since the fire due to fears surrounding the safety of the building. Wigan Council has now revealed that unsafe parts of the building are being removed in order for the street to be re-opened by the weekend.
Fire crews at the scene(Image: Manchester Evening News)
A statement said: “Our specialist demolition contractor is on King Street today to start works to make the building safe following the fire at the weekend. This is not a full demolition- only the sections that are unsafe will be removed and we hope this will allow us to reopen the road to traffic ahead of the weekend.
“The road will remain open to pedestrians throughout the works, as it is now, which means businesses can open as normal and we are working with them to facilitate deliveries.
“As the building is privately owned, at this time we are only able to carry out essential works to the affected building, which will include this demolition to make the structure safe so we can reopen the road. Thank you for your patience.”