Joint investigation launched after Ilkeston property fire

Credit: DFRS

A joint police and fire investigation into a derelict building fire on Heanor Road in Ilkeston has concluded the most probable cause to be deliberate.

Investigators believe the fire most likely started when a naked flame came into contact with combustible materials.

Derbyshire firefighters were mobilised to the incident shortly before 5:00am on Wednesday 10th June, following a 999 call to the Derbyshire Fire & Rescue Service control room.

Crews attended from Ilkeston, Ascot Drive, Long Eaton and Chapel-en-le-Frith, with support from Nottinghamshire Fire & Rescue Service’s Eastwood, Stockhill and Stapleford stations.

On arrival, crews found a fire on the fourth floor of the building as well as the roof space. They were unable to enter until it was deemed structurally safe. Supported by an aerial ladder platform, firefighters used hose reel and main line jets at height to get the fire under control and damp down hot spots.

Once it was safe to do so, crews carried out a sweep of the building to check if anyone was inside.  Final fire crews left the scene shortly after 3:00pm.

No one was inside the building at the time of the incident. The fire has caused significant damage to the roof area and top floors.

Anyone with any information about how it may have started is asked to contact Derbyshire Constabulary using the reference 26000336617, and any of the methods below.

• Call the non-emergency number 101.
• Website – There are crime reporting tools at www.derbyshire.police.uk/
• Facebook – send a private message to the Derbyshire Constabulary Facebook page
• X (Twitter) – direct message the contact centre via @DerPolContact