Investigations are under way following a large fire at a disused school in Wigston yesterday. The fire started shortly before 4.45pm and burned for several hours.
Firefighters are still at the scene today, dampening down hotspots. Leicestershire fire investigation officers and crime scene investigators from Leicestershire Police are also there, to try to find the cause of the blaze.
At the time of the fire, located on the site of the former Birkett House school, between Launceston Road and Newgate End, residents living nearby were warned to keep their windows and doors closed due the amount of smoke being produced. A fire officer at the scene told LeicestershireLive that there was "significant damage" to a large part of the building.
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At the scene last night, Central fire station manager Richard Featherby said: "We were called at approximately 4.45pm to a fire at a disused school. Upon arriving at the school we found a considerable blaze, with initial crews requesting more appliances to attend.
"At the height of the incident, there were six pumping appliances and an aerial ladder platform in attendance fighting the fire. Firefighters remain in place at the scene dampening down the building, which is set to continue through the night.
"The cause of the fire is unknown and still under investigation at this time. There's been significant damage to a large portion of the school.
"We will remain at the scene overnight and into tomorrow. Cadent Gas and National Grid were called to the scene to ensure utilities are safe. Road closures remain in place, but could be lifted in the near future."
Stay tuned to all of the latest updates in our live blog below
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Key Events
Boys released on bail
Leicestershire Police has confirmed the three boys have since been released on bail.
Three boys arrested following fire
Three boys, aged between 12 and 15, have been arrested on suspicion of arson following yesterday's fire.
You can read the full story here.
Roads reopened following scale-down of scene
The closed roads in the area have since reopened following yesterday's fire. The area had already reopened to passengers yesterday evening, but traffic can now drive down Launceston Road.
Investigation into fire underway
Leicestershire Fire Control has confirmed they remain at the scene and fire investigation officers are in attendance along with CSI from Leicestershire Police.
They told us: "There's still one pump at the scene checking for hotspots and dampening down the area. Fire investigation officers are heading to the scene this morning with Crime Scene Investigators from Leicestershire Police to work out the cause of the fire."
Road remains closed in both directions - Inrix
Launceston Road in both directions closed due to building fire between B582 Bushloe End and Seaton Road.
The scene at 8.30pm
Our reporter says: "This is the scene now, a bit quieter and dampening down ongoing. Firefighters set to be here overnight into tomorrow morning. Road closures still in place."
Images from the height of the blaze
Fire service statement on Wigston blaze
Central Station Manager Richard Featherby told LeicestershireLive:
"We were called at approximately 4.45pm to a fire at a disused school. Upon arriving at the school we found a considerable blaze, with initial crews requesting more appliances to attend.
"At the height of the incident, there were six pumping appliances and an aerial ladder platform in attendance fighting the fire. Firefighters remain in place at the scene dampening down the building, which is set to continue through the night.
"The cause of the fire is unknown and still under investigation at this time. There's been significant damage to a large portion of the school.
"We will remain at the scene overnight and into tomorrow. Cadent Gas and National Grid were called to the scene to ensure utilities are safe.
"Road closures remain in place, but could be lifted in the near future."
The building is the former Birkett House School
Andy also told us: "Sad to see that the old Birkett House school on fire. I know it’s not used, but let’s hope no one is hurt."
These pictures sent in by reader Andy Jones give an idea of how thick the smoke was
Andy sent us these pictures earlier this evening. He said: "The air is very acrid - if you have breathing issues my advice is stay indoors."
These pictures show firefighter attacking flames from the air
Corey reports: "There's a police drone out, heavy smoke in nearby residential area. Traffic stopped on Newgate End and Launceston Road. Causing a lot of issues for locals.
"At least seven fire vehicles here, about five appliances and two vans. Two cadent gas vans here, at least six police cars dotted around."
Our reporter Corey Bedford is sending updates from the scene, including these pictures
He says the air is heavy with smoke. The police cordon is making it difficult to get too close to the fire.
In the meantime, he has sent us these pictures from various vantage points:
One of our colleagues has sent pictures from the scene
He says he can't get much closer to the fire because of the cordon.
