Posted: Wednesday 22 April 2020, 17:24
Firefighters continue to damp down hotspots at a fire in Springfield Mill, Bridge Street, Sandiacre.
Firefighters were first called to attend the fire at 16.23 hours on Tuesday 21 April 2020 when residents were evacuated from the 4 storey converted residential mill.
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.”
A joint fire investigation into the cause of the fire is ongoing, with fire investigators having to ensure the structural safety of the building before entering.
Station Manager Scully who is a Fire Protection Officer went onto say: “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.”
A large fire service presence remains at the scene with Firefighters from Long Eaton, Belper, Ascot Drive and Nottinghamshire’s London Road, supporting one fire engine, two aerial ladder platforms, the command support unit and the welfare unit.
Firefighters are being supported by the Salvation Army, who are providing drinks to crews working at the scene.
Derbyshire Fire & Rescue Service and our emergency service colleagues would like to thank members of the public for adhering to current government advice in relation to Covid-19 and staying away from the area.
Bridge Street remains closed.
Police remain on scene, and the building has been secured.