Church fire cause remains undetermined after extensive damage in Belper
Investigators have been unable to establish how the blaze started after severe damage left the building at risk of structural collapse
Fire and police investigators have been unable to establish the cause of a fire that broke out at a church on Chapel Street in Kilburn, Belper.
The extent of the damage and concerns over the building’s structural stability have prevented investigators from carrying out a full examination of the site.
Firefighters from Alfreton, Ascot Drive, Belper, Heanor, Ilkeston, Nottingham Road and Ripley stations were called to the incident after an emergency call was received at 12.24am on Friday, September 11.
Crews worked alongside an aerial ladder platform and used main line jets to tackle the blaze, concentrating on stopping the flames from spreading to nearby properties.
The initial response ended at around 7.20am, but firefighters from Alfreton returned to the scene at 9am after further hotspots were discovered.
The returning crew monitored the building, dealt with the hotspots and supported the ongoing fire investigation.
Firefighters finally left the scene at 12.58pm, with responsibility for the property then passed back to its owner.
No injuries have been reported in connection with the incident.
The cause of the fire remains undetermined.