A fundraiser has been set up to help support staff after a warehouse was destroyed by a huge industrial fire in Mansfield. Up to 100 firefighters were on the scene at one point after the blaze started at Savanna Rags clothes warehouse at 3.44pm on Saturday, March 18.
The blaze in Forest Road caused clouds of black smoke that could be seen for miles around. Nearby properties in Nottingham Road, Forest Road and Sandhurst Avenue were evacuated just after 4pm.
In an update, Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue said the clean-up operation had begun on Monday, March 20. Elsewhere, a GoFundMe page has been set up for the people who work for the business, which recycles clothes and exports them to countries around the world.
Are you planning an event for King Charles III’s Coronation? Let us know here
A spokesperson for Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service said: "A clean-up operation is beginning on Forest Road and the surrounding areas following the fire. Specialist contractors will be knocking on doors on Sandhurst Avenue, Forest Road, Bessemer drive and surrounding roads that have been impacted by the fire.
These contractors will be clearing any fire debris that may have landed onto people's homes or in gardens. Please do not touch the fire debris and leave it for the contractors to clear. Demolition work is due to commence on Forest Road where there is likely to be a significant dust cloud.
"We ask people to remain indoors as this happens, keeping windows and doors closed. One fire engine will remain overnight to monitor the area. A joint fire and police investigation will begin once the area is safe."
Sandhurst Avenue has now reopened for public and motorist access. Forest Road remains closed and is likely to be shut for some time while a clean-up and investigation continues. Bessemer Drive is now accessible through Clifford Street to residents.
The fire has now mostly been extinguished with Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service remaining at the scene.
A joint police and fire investigation will take place when the area is safe. Chief Inspector Arnie Ahmed, of Nottinghamshire Police, said: “I want to thank all the residents and people in the area who have and are being affected by this incident.
“We are working hard alongside our partners at the fire service and the council to ensure this incident is dealt with and the public can get back to normality.
“I want to reiterate our earlier message to please refrain from touching any debris and rubble surrounding your property as the fire service and local authority partners are working to clear the debris from Forest Road.
“Specialist contractors will be knocking on doors on Sandhurst Avenue, Forest Road, Bessemer Drive, and surrounding roads that have been impacted by the fire.
“These contractors will be clearing any fire debris that may have landed in people’s homes or gardens so we want to ask that residents do not touch the debris and leave it to the contractors to clear. “Thank you for your understanding and patience. Anyone with any information or concerns is asked to speak to an officer at the scene or call 101, quoting incident number 523 of 18 March 2023."
READ NEXT:
Inspector warns students to secure accommodation after rise in burglaries
Neighbours shocked after man found stabbed in 'nice little town'
How empty Nottingham high street has transformed into a 'cool and fresh' destination
11-minute exercise that cuts risks of stroke, cancer and heart disease, say scientists
