Damping down under way after Mansfield warehouse fire

Firefighters at the scene were turning over rubble to check for hot spots

Fire crews remain at the scene of a warehouse blaze in Nottinghamshire that caused several homes to be evacuated.

Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service was called to Forest Road, Mansfield, shortly before 15:45 GMT on Saturday.

More than 100 firefighters were involved in tackling the blaze at Savanna Rags, a company that processes and exports recycled clothing.

An investigation into the cause of the fire is expected to start once the site has been made safe.

The fire service said the blaze had been "mostly extinguished".

Firefighters have spent Monday turning over rubble to check for hot spots and damp them down.

A joint investigation into the cause of the blaze is expected to begin once crews have finished damping down

Station manager Dan Palmer said: "The roof and some of the walls have collapsed.

"It's mainly the structural members that are left, steel girders and overhanging steel, so at the moment we can't enter the building just because of how structurally unsound it might be.

"We're doing what we call defensive firefighting - fighting it from the outside."

One fire engine is to remain at the scene overnight to monitor the area.

The fire service said a joint fire and police investigation would begin once the area was safe.

Forest Road is still closed following the fire over the weekend

A clean-up operation is expected to begin soon, with contractors going to properties impacted by the fire to clear debris from homes or gardens.

The fire service said demolition work was also due to commence in Forest Road that was likely to cause a "significant dust cloud".

Residents have been asked to remain indoors while this is under way and to keep windows and doors closed.

Demolition work is due to commence in Forest Road soon

Most people have been able to return home following the evacuation of nearby properties.

Oliver Fell, who lives in Sandhurst Avenue, said: "I was really worried thinking 'is my house going to be burned down?'

"It's a nice area so it's just worrying times and I think everybody else on the street was worried."

He and his wife have been told they will not be able to return home for a few days.

Oliver Fell was worried his house was going to burn down

Mr Fell said his garden backed on to the industrial estate.

His fence panels have been burned and his house has some smoke damage.

"For what's happened I'll take that all day," he said.

"I'm just grateful for the fire service, for what they've done for us, I can't thank them enough."

More than 100 firefighters were involved in tackling the blaze at Savanna Rags

Nottinghamshire Police said there were no reported injuries from the fire.

Insp Katie Eustace said: "I want to thank everyone affected by this fire for their patience as we understand how scary and upsetting an incident like this can be for everyone involved."

Over the weekend, a spokesperson for Savanna Rags said: "It is with deep regret and sadness that we must inform you that a fire broke out at our warehouse.

"Due to this we are ceasing our operations with immediate effect. We will advise any further updates when new information becomes available."

Savanna Rags said it had ceased operations with immediate effect

Mansfield District Council said it was unable to empty bins located in the road closure area.

It said arrangements would be made with residents about when they were able to return.

The authority said: "The site is a fire and police investigation scene and the council will support both authorities wherever it can, and when needed to.

"We advise residents to continue to follow the guidance from Nottinghamshire Police and Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service during this time."

Sandhurst Avenue has now reopened, police said