Police have launched an arson investigation into the huge tyre fire in Ranksill rear Retford. Nearby businesses were evacuated and two people were treated by paramedics after sustaining minor smoke inhalation injuries.
Police are treating the fire as suspected arson and are appealing for information. It comes after firefighters were called to the incident in Station Road shortly after 10.20am on Friday (August 5). Thousands of tyres as well as scrap vehicles and diesel tanks were involved in the fire.
The fire caused a large black smoke plume which could be seen from miles around. Damage was also caused to outbuildings and power lines. Police are providing assistance at the scene, with an area cordoned off and local road closures in place, as the fire crews continue to tackle the incident.
READ MORE: Ranskill fire: 'Major incident' declared by Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service
People are being urged to avoid the area if possible and those living in or travelling through the area are advised to keep windows and doors shut. Inspector Matt Scott, of Nottinghamshire Police, said: “We are continuing to work closely with Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service and a joint investigation will be launched to establish the circumstances of how the fire began.
“While the cause is still unknown we are currently treating it as suspected arson after it was reported a group of young people were seen letting off fireworks just before the fire started. We are urging anyone who may have witnessed anything or has any information which could assist us with our enquiries to please come forward.”
Area manager Andy Macey, of Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service, said: "We are still at the scene tackling the fire and expect we will be here for a number of days. We will be working closely with our police colleagues on a joint investigation looking into the cause and ask anyone with information to come forward."
Anyone with information about the incident is asked to call Nottinghamshire Police on 101, quoting incident 240 of August 5, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
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