Firefighters are struggling to put out a fire at the former Player’s cigarette factory in Radford.
The fire has structurally damaged the building, used as student accommodation, meaning firefighters can not enter certain areas and are having to fight the fire from an aerial ladder platform.
No one has been harmed in the fire but on Monday afternoon (March 30) 24 students from both Nottingham universities had to be moved from their flats and moved to alternative living arrangements.
Up to 60 firefighters and 10 fire engines from across Nottinghamshire, Derbyshire and Leicestershire are tackling the fire.
Strong winds have hampered the operation, causing debris and smoke to spread across the city.
The smell has been affecting people a mile away and has damaged air quality in the city, which has dropped to ‘unhealthy’ levels, according to Department for the Environment and Rural Affairs.
Jack Grasby, communications officer for Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue service, says:
We are advising people to stay away from the area if possible.
People have been briefed on how to deal with the situation
Mrs Melanie Holton, 53, business manager at Mellers Primary School, says: “We are monitoring the situation but as things stand the smoke is blowing away from the school.
The students are being kept inside and we are keeping all windows closed as safety precautions.
Mrs Holton adds: “One family lives close to the fire and are having to stay at a friends until they put the fire out.”
The operation has caused disruption to travel in the surrounding area as Radford Boulevard has been closed and Hartley Road and Alfreton road are experiencing delays.
