Scrap yard fire in Old Whittington – Fire Investigation Outcome

A joint police and fire investigation into the cause of a fire at a scrap yard on Armytage Industrial Estate in Old Whittington, Chesterfield, has concluded it was a deliberate ignition.  

Firefighters were called to the fire at 06.10 hours on Monday 13 February. At the height of the fire, crews from Chesterfield with the aerial ladder platform, Clay Cross with the water carrier, Staveley, Matlock, Clowne, and Long Eaton with the command support were in attendance. Further assistance came from South Yorkshire’s Lowedges and Birley, and Nottinghamshire’s Mansfield fire stations. 

Neighbouring businesses were evacuated during the incident and local residents were asked to keep their windows and doors shut due to the smoke.

The incident was scaled down to two fire engines at around 19.30 hours, with final crews leaving the scene shortly before 23.00 hours. Firefighters from Chesterfield returned twice on Tuesday morning to carry out reinspection to check for any hot spots.  

Surrounding roads and the nearby railway line were closed for some time during the incident but have now reopened.  

Derbyshire police are keen to hear from anyone who has any information, CCTV or dashcam footage from the area.

Witnesses or anyone with information relating to the incident should contact the police using any of the below methods, quoting the reference 23000093901:

• Facebook– send a private message to the Derbyshire Constabulary Facebook page
• Twitter– direct message the police contact centre via @DerPolContact
• Website– there are several crime reporting tools on the police website or use the online contact form
• Phone – call 101

You can also anonymously contact the independent charity Crimestoppers, on 0800 555 111, or by visiting the CrimeStoppers website.