Fire service update on fatal Daresbury house fire probe

This is the latest from Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service as investigators continue to probe the tragic incident.

Just before 1am on Monday, December 12, fire crews were called to the serious blaze on Delph Lane – with people reported to be inside the property.

Five fire engines from Runcorn, Lymm, Warrington, Frodsham and Widnes fire stations attended the scene along with paramedics and police.

On arrival, crews found the detached house to be well alight on the ground floor.

Six firefighters wearing breathing apparatus tackled the fire, which also involved the roof of the property, with four house reel jets.

Two casualties, a man and a woman, were rescued and taken to Whiston Hospital and Warrington Hospital in a critical condition.

Heartbreakingly, it was confirmed that the female casualty, Rebecca Foster, aged 32, tragically died the following day.

Two weeks later on Boxing Day, it was also sadly revealed that her 33-year-old fiancé Kieran Naylor had also died as a result of his injuries sustained in the fire.

Investigations into the cause of the fire are still ongoing, but it is not believed to be suspicious.

A new update on the investigation has now been provided by David Rutter, service delivery manager for Halton and Warrington.

Rebecca Foster and Kieran Naylor sadly died following the fire (Image: Cheshire Police)

He said: “The fire investigation is ongoing. The severe instability of the building is making the investigation an extremely difficult and lengthy process.

Steady progress is being made as we continue to look for the cause of the fire.

“This was an extremely challenging incident for our firefighters, who worked tirelessly in their attempts to save the lives of the residents and to bring the blaze under control.

“On behalf of Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service, I would like to extend our heartfelt thoughts and sympathy to the families of Rebecca and Kieran.”

In a tribute to Rebecca, her family said: “Rebecca was a loving and caring daughter, and our lives have been absolutely torn apart by her death.

“She and Kieran made the perfect couple, and the pair were planning to spend the rest of their lives together, but sadly they will never be able to fulfil their dreams.

“We would like to thank everyone who tried to help Rebecca and Kieran on the night of the fire for all their efforts and would ask that we are left to grieve in peace at this difficult time.”

Kieran’s family also paid tribute to him, stating: “Words cannot express how completely heartbroken and devastated we are to have lost Kieran. Our lives will never be the same.

“Kieran really was the best son, brother and uncle that anyone could have wished for, and he will be sorely missed by everyone who had the pleasure to have known him.

“Kieran and Rebecca are now reunited forever, and they will always be in our hearts.

“We would like to thank everyone who tried to help Kieran and Rebecca following the fire and would ask that we are left to grieve in peace at this time.”