Images captured the intense flames engulfing a historic mill, known as Big Mill, in Leek. Firefighters rushed to the scene as the fire broke out around 9 p.m.
Last year, a council report disclosed that the Grade-II listed Big Mill, a six-story former silk mill on Mill Street, has been vacant. However, it holds planning permission for 34 residential flats. Designed by William Sugden in 1857, the mill was pivotal in the local silk industry, housing Wardle & Davenport, a firm that once employed a workforce of 2,500.
Staffordshire Fire Service issued a cautionary advisory to the public, urging them to steer clear of the area while they combat the ongoing blaze through the night. The fire service spokesperson mentioned that multiple crews are on-site, tackling the fully ablaze building.
The mill’s historical significance lies in its association with Wardle & Davenport, renowned for pioneering artificial silk stocking production. StokeonTrent Live reported that the Big Mill is fully ablaze, with visuals depicting the magnitude of the fire that has consumed the structure entirely, sending smoke spiraling into the sky.
The Staffordshire Fire and Rescue team mobilized six crews, including an aerial ladder platform, to address the fiery situation in Leek. They emphasized the need for the public to avoid the vicinity, citing increased difficulty due to traffic congestion. Residents in nearby streets have been advised to evacuate for safety measures.
Witnesses described the scene as alarming, with one individual observing the fiery spectacle from a distance in Sneyd Green. The fire service reiterated its plea for people to stay away from the area and keep doors and windows shut as a precautionary measure against the smoke.