Fire in derelict shoe factory closes nearby school

A significant fire in a derelict shoe factory containing asbestos has led to the closure of a primary school.

The blaze at the former Van-Dal shoe factory in Dibden Road, Norwich, was reported on Monday at about 17:40 GMT and crews from more than a dozen stations were sent out.

Station manager Ryon Martin, of Norfolk Fire and Rescue Service, said the blaze damaged up to 75% of the building and took between three and four hours to get under control.

George White Junior School in Silver Road announced it had closed as a precautionary measure.

Two appliances, from Mundesley and Sheringham, remained at the scene on Tuesday checking for hotspots and that the fire had not reignited.

Norwich City Council said the site contained asbestos and that it was arranging tests to be carried out as a result.

On Tuesday night, it said initial air quality tests showed "no significant levels of asbestos present in the air" and it reassured residents the health risk was low.

"To ensure the site is as safe as possible, work is ongoing this evening and is likely include some partial demolition," a spokesperson added.

"Please be assured, we are working closely with the site owners to ensure all work is carried out in line with strict safety guidance, with measures in place to minimise noise and dust.

"Specialist asbestos operatives are on-site to handle any materials safely."

Residents within 80m (87yds) were still being asked to avoid the site entirely, keep windows and doors closed and avoid handling ash and debris.

Further air and ground tests will take place on Wednesday.

Sarah Barker, 53, saw the fire on her way home and said: "It's horrendous. I thought it was a terrible road traffic accident at first.

"You could see smoke billowing out all over the place - it just looked awful."

Leigh Mitchinson, 45, was driving past on Monday evening and said: "We saw a huge orange cloud behind the buildings.

"I couldn't quite believe it was fire at first and then as soon as we drove past the road where George White school was, we could just see it.

"I've never seen such a big fire."

The Norfolk Fire and Rescue Service spokesperson said the flames were put out in the early hours of the morning.

Crews from Sprowston, Carrow, Earlham, Hethersett, Wroxham, Long Stratton, Acle, Reepham, Dereham, Great Yarmouth, Loddon, Wymondham, Fakenham, North Walsham, Attleborough, Stalham and Watton attended.

Mr Martin said while about 10 appliances had been at the scene, it was now working to make the site safe.

He said: "The damage is quite significant across the whole property - about 70 to 75% of the property has been damaged."

He said there was no damage to surrounding properties.

Firefighters attended a blaze at the same location last April.

The closure of the facility, Norwich's last remaining shoe factory, was announced in 2018.

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