Burton factory fire that caused smoke seen for seven miles 'accidental', say investigators

Firefighters from at least five stations were needed to tackle the fire which broke out last Thursday

A large fire that caused a huge plume of smoke in Burton-upon-Trent last Thursday began accidentally.

The Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service have been investigating the blaze at an animal feed factory in Rumenco on Derby road, and today decided that it wasn't started deliberately.

Firefighters from at least five stations attended the scene after reports of a huge plume of smoke.

Witnesses at the time reported black smoke filling the air which could be seen as far as seven miles away.

Local residents were evacuated and no injuries were reported.

The road was closed for 48 hours as staff tackled the fire, which saw chemicals released and people living downwind of the incident told to stay at home with their doors and windows locked.

In a statement, Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service thanked people for their patience, "Not only while crews worked to tackle the fire on 31 March but also as we worked with policing colleagues and local partners to carry out road closures, pump water to the scene, and keep members of the public safe inside their homes."