Emergency services were called to a major fire at the former Norton Plastics factory on Heanor Road, Ilkeston, in the early hours of Wednesday morning.
Derbyshire Fire & Rescue Service said crews were mobilised following a 999 call at 4.46am.
Six fire engines, an aerial ladder platform and an incident command unit attended the scene. Firefighters from Ilkeston, Ascot Drive and Long Eaton were supported by crews from Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service’s Eastwood, Stockhill and Stapleford stations.
Derbyshire Police also attended the incident.
As firefighters tackled the blaze, Heanor Road was closed between Grey Meadow Road and the Rutland Street roundabout, with motorists advised to avoid the area.
Residents who could see or smell smoke were urged to keep their windows and doors closed while emergency services dealt with the fire.
The closure also affected local bus services. Trentbarton confirmed that its 33 and 34 services were operating on diversion and were unable to serve the Granby Junior School, Police Station and Ilkeston Advertiser stops in either direction.
The fire happened at the former Norton Plastics site, a large disused factory building on Heanor Road.
Earlier this year, planning permission was granted to convert the former factory into 23 flats. Planning documents submitted as part of the application described significant structural problems within the building, including collapsed floors, fire-damaged beams and a failing roof.
The cause of the fire has not yet been confirmed.
Anyone travelling in the area is advised to check for the latest road and public transport updates.
Photo credit: Athos Konstandi.
