Bircotes: Firefighters battle derelict school fire

Firefighters tackled a severe fire at a derelict school in the early hours of this morning (Monday 25 July).
Firefighters have dealt with a spate of arson attacks across South YorkshireFirefighters have dealt with a spate of arson attacks across South Yorkshire
Firefighters have dealt with a spate of arson attacks across South Yorkshire

Upon arrival at the incident the crews found the single-storey building “well alight” and immediately began to fight the fire using four hose reel jets.

“It was clear when we got on scene that this was quite a sizeable fire, so I immediately requested additional crews to assist,” said acting watch manager Leigh Holmes, who was the initial Incident Commander.

“The immediate problem we had was water supply and therefore a specialist water bowser was also requested.

“Our priority was then to limit the damage and stop the fire spreading.

“Fortunately all of the crews managed to do this and we contained the fire to just one single block.”

Nobody has been injured in the incident, however the former school building has been significantly damaged by fire.

The cause of the blaze is not yet known.