Nottingham fire as city centre rocked by ‘big explosion’ with properties ‘evacuated’

Emergency services were called to the scene of a major blaze in Nottingham city centre after witnesses reported hearing a “big explosion” or “big bang” before a huge smoke plume was sent into the sky

A “big explosion” has reportedly sparked a suspected fire in Nottingham city centre as a big plume of smoke covers the sky.

Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service say they have received many calls about the blaze on Curzon Street, which was first reported at around 11.30am on Sunday (May 31).

According to Nottinghamshire Live, witnesses have described hearing a “big explosion” or “big bang” before a plume of smoke was seen in the sky.

Both police and the fire service are warning people to “avoid the area” as they deal with the incident. A large number of emergency services are at the scene, including at least four ambulances, more than a dozen police vehicles and around 10 fire engines.

Firefighters are still working to extinguish a blaze at what appears to be a derelict warehouse in Curzon Street. People living in surrounding buildings have been evacuated onto the street.

A spokesperson for the fire service said: “We’re currently in attendance at a fire on Curzon Street in the city centre. Our joint fire control are receiving a large number of calls about this incident but please rest assured we are aware of the incident.

If you live nearby please keep your windows and doors closed as there is a large smoke plume.”

Google Maps is currently showing heavy traffic on a number of roads surrounding Curzon Street.

Huntingdon Street is closed off in both directions, while cordons are also in place in Curzon Place and St Mark’s Street. It’s also affecting traffic along Woodborough Road, and also Shelton Street and St Ann’s Well Road.

A spokesperson for Nottinghamshire Police said: “Emergency services are currently dealing with a fire in a derelict building on Curzon Street in Nottingham city centre.

“The incident happened at around 11.28am today (Sunday 31 May). Police and fire crews are currently at the scene, and a number of cordons will be place around Huntingdon Street and Curzon Street.

“The cause of the fire is not yet known. There are no reports of any injuries. As a precaution, we are looking at evacuating a number of properties on the street.

“We are sorry for any inconvenience this may cause. We are asking people to avoid the area while the incident is being dealt with.”

For the latest breaking news and stories from across the globe from the Daily Star, sign up for our newsletters.