Devastation after 'most of infant school lost' in SECOND Derbyshire school blaze in just three days

Derbyshire Fire and Rescue Service were called to the incident at Ravensdale Infant School in Mickleover at 1.38am this morning (Monday, October 5).

A spokesman said the blaze had caused “extensive damage” but was now under control.

The service sent 12 fire engines and two aerial ladder platforms from across Derbyshire to the scene, as well as a command unit, water carrier and welfare unit.

There have been no casualties as a result of the blaze.

The incident follows a “devastating” fire just over four miles away at St Mary’s School in Darley Abbey, which resulted in the total loss of the building.

Six fire engines spent the day tackling the blaze after they were called to the scene at 5.24am on Saturday.

Commenting on the Mickleover fire, area manager Clive Stanbrook said: “Firefighters from across Derbyshire have been working hard since early this morning fighting the fire at Ravensdale Infant School.

“Crews worked swiftly to control the spread of the fire, with the fire now under control; however, sadly, large parts of the infant school have suffered extensive damage. We expect to have a presence at the fire throughout the day.

“Tragically this is the second school fire in Derbyshire in less than 48 hours, with St Mary’s School in Darley Abbey being destroyed by a severe fire on Saturday morning.”

“Both fires are now under separate investigation and we will continue to work jointly with our police colleagues to investigate the cause of each of these fires.”

Derbyshire’s Chief Fire Officer, Gavin Tomlinson, tweeted after the blaze, saying: “Shocked and saddened that Derbyshire has seen a second devastating school fire in the same weekend.

“Crews from DFRS have been firefighting throughout the night.

“Tragically most of the infant school lost. Will work with the National Fire Chiefs Council to make new schools safer.”

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