Derbyshire Fire and Rescue Service launch investigation into what caused ongoing fire at old mill

Firefighters are still at the scene on Bridge Street, working to damp down the hotspots which still remain within the block of flats.

Residents were evacuated from the four storey converted mill at 16.23pm yesterday after a major fire spread through the building.

Crews from a number of stations in Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire arrived at the scene to battle the blaze.

Derbyshire Constabulary used their drone pilots to help direct firefighters to where the remaining thermal hot spots are.

Speaking following a joint emergency service residents meeting, Station Manager Danny Scully said: “The safety of everyone affected by this incident is our upmost priority and crews are working around the clock to bring the incident to the quickest and safest conclusion.

“Unfortunately while we are still working to extinguish the fire completely, we know residents remain concerned and eager to return home, especially with the additional concerns regarding the current covid-19 pandemic.

“Emergency Services and our Emergency Planning Colleagues have spoken to all of the affected residents this afternoon and they know what the plan is.

“As a large part of the building has not been affected and some properties have not been damaged by fire, work is ongoing to ascertain when people in those properties can return home, but this will only be permitted when we are all satisfied that power and emergency lighting has been restored and it is safe to return.

“We are still in the early stages of the joint fire investigation to ascertain the cause of the fire, but in the meantime we are speaking with the owners and management company of the building, as is normal practice following a fire, about their fire safety audit and processes.”

Bridge Street remains closed and there is still a large fire service presence at the scene, including firefighters from Long Eaton, Belper, Ascot Drive and Nottinghamshire’s London Road.

The Salvation Army are providing drinks to firefighters and crews working to put out the remaining hot spots.