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.

Ryon Martin, a station manager at the fire 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.

The fire took between three and four hours to get under control

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.

While it says the risk to health remains low, it will be able to provide more guidance once the tests have been carried out.

Nearby residents were still being asked to keep windows and doors closed and were asked to avoid handling ash and debris.

Following the fire, George White Junior School in Silver Road announced it had closed as a precautionary measure

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."

Sarah Barker said she saw the fire while driving home

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.

Residents were urged to keep their windows and doors closed on Monday evening

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.

Station manager Ryon Martin said the fire had damaged up to 75% of the derelict building