Big Mill Blaze in Leek: Firefighters Battle Historic Building Fire

0:00On March 28th, a massive fire has torn through the historic Big Mill, a grade 2 listed building on Mill Street in Leak Staffordshire. The six-story structure, built back in 1857, went up in flames, lighting up the sky, orange for miles around. Firefighters from Staffordshire Fire and Rescue rushed in with six crews in an aerial ladder platform to battle the blaze. The Mill, once home to a silk manufacturing firm, now sits empty, despite plans to convert it into about 34 flats. It's one of many derelict textile-era buildings in the area, reminders of Leak's industrial past. Local roads took a hit too, with the A523 blocked in both directions from Church Street to turn it away, snarling traffic. Videos captured thick smoke plumes and debris raining down, prompting emergency crews to urge folks to steer clear. People nearby got clear warnings to keep doors and windows shut against the smoke, and drivers were asked to avoid the zone to let crews work freely.

1:00No injuries reported so far, but the fire's intensity has kept responders on scene for hours. Crews are still working to contain the damage in this unoccupied site, and updates will roll in as the situation evolves.