Rotherham blaze latest plus reader pictures

Drivers asked to avoid area. Residents may have to be evacuated.

FIREFIGHTERS were still battling a huge blaze at a former furniture store more than six hours after it started.

Crews have set up a high volume pump to get more water on the two-storey building on College Road, Masbrough.

Rotherham Borough Council deputy leader Jahangir Akhtar tweeted to say residents living nearby may have to be evacuated.

More than 40 firefighters from Rotherham, Elm Lane, Maltby and Darnall stations attended after the alarm was raised at 10am.

A fire service spokesman said: “The roof of the building has collapsed, plus one side of the building. “The building contains some furniture and carpet and neighbouring flats have been advised to keep doors and windows closed as a precaution.

“A large amount of smoke is drifting across the dual carriageway and drivers are being asked to avoid the area.

“An investigation into the cause of the fire will take place once the flames are out, but firefighters are expected to remain at the scene for most of the day.”

If you have a picture of the fire email it to [email protected].