LATEST: 11:35 Thursday: The fire investigation into a large fire at Springfield Mill, Bridge Street, Sandiacre is now complete with the most probable cause of the fire (which is now out) being recorded as accidental.
Fire investigators worked throughout Wednesday to investigate the cause of the blaze in the four storey converted residential mill and have recorded that the fire started accidentally, but due to the extensive damage, are unable to determine the specific cause.
Police and firefighters have been on site overnight and have been working to hand the building back to the management company.
Speaking from the scene, Station Manager Lee Williams said: "Firefighters have been monitoring the building overnight and I am pleased to report that no further hotspots were discovered."
"Firefighters remain on site this morning (Thursday) checking for any further hotspots and ensuring that the area is safe before we hand the buiilding back to the management company later today."
"We will continue to return to the site regularly, using the aerial ladder platform to monitor and check for any further hotspots. This will be repeated until we are satisfied that we no longer need to return".
A fire broke out at around 4:20pm on Tuesday 21st April 2020 and raged for several hours. Flames and smoke could be seen from across the area, rising from the Springfield Mill apartments building on Bridge Street.
Firefighters began work to move residents safely out of the building and to nearby shelter including a local pub which opened its doors to accommodate shocked residents. The Mill complex was occupied to a greater extent due the coronavirus lockdown.
Fire crews from across the area including Ilkeston, Long Eaton, Derby, Nottingham, Loughborough and the Amber Valley attended the scene using as many as eight vehicles over all including aerial platforms and water carriers. The blaze caused extensive damage to the roof of the apartment building, which could be seen from distance. Many vehicles used a nearby supermarket car park.
Local roads were closed whilst the incident was dealt with, leading to localised traffic issues, whilst fire and police crews were also on hand to speak with local residents, not just from the Mill but from around the area, in order to address any concerns.
Meanwhile, residents of the nearby area were asked to ensure that their windows were closed due to drifting smoke and not to congregate nearby in order to maintain COVID-19 pandemic social distancing requirements.
There were no reports of any injuries in relation to the fire which was brought under control by around 8pm on the same day although crews remained at the scene well into the the night and into the following day It is understood that, as a result of a quick response, three quarters of the building has been saved.
Borough MP Maggie Throup said that she had spoken to both the Chief Fire Officer and the relevant Government Minister to ensure that help and support is being co-ordinated for those affected, adding: “I am being kept up to date with the situation on the ground and will be on hand to assist residents should they need my help over the coming days and weeks.”
On Wednesday, Derbyshire Fire & Rescue Service confirmed that firefighters were continuing to deal with the incident at the four storey site. One Derby-based crew remained at the scene midweek using an aerial ladder platform to dampen down hot spots in the roof space between the third and fourth floor whilst it was also reported that relevant work continues with emergency service colleagues, Emergency Planning and Derbyshire Police as part of a multi-agency response to the incident.
Bridge Street has been closed during the incident with members of the public asked to avoid the area and also to adhere to current government advice in respect of Covid-19, to stay at home except for essential journeys and not to visit the scene of the fire.
A joint fire investigation got underway on Wednesday 22nd with fire investigators having to ensure the structural safety of the building before entering. Station Manager Danny Scully, who is a Fire Protection Officer said: "As a large part of the buiilding has not been affected and some properties have not been damaged by the 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".
"The safety of everyone affected by this incident is our utmost priority and crews are working around the clock to bring the incident to the quickest and safest conclusion. 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 and they know what the plan is."
Firefighting was scaled back on Wednesday evening although Police and some firefighters from Derby remained in attendance overnight. Firefighters have been supported by The Salvation Army who have been providing drinks to crews working at the scene.
Springfield Mill with its red and yellow bricks, and imposing landmark chimney dates back to 1888. It was built for wealthy local industrialist Terah Hooley by Long Eaton architect John Sheldon to run as a lace factory with as many as 160 machines running at one time. The Sandiacre ‘Canal Side’ and ‘Cloud Side’ conservation areas were designated in March 1984.
A later renovation of the building was supported by Heritage Lottery funding and is now listed under the Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act 1990, noted for its special architectural or historic interest. Springfield Mill was converted to residential use in 2005.
