Blaze at disused fire station

ABOUT 30 firefighters are tackling a huge fire at the former Brampton fire station on Knollbeck Lane.

AROUND 30 firefighters were called to tackle a huge fire at the former Brampton fire station on Knollbeck Lane.

Crews were alerted to the building - believed to contain asbestos - at around 2.45pm.

Shaun Colborn, a local photographer, was playing golf at the time: “I’ve just been on Sandhill Golf course and thought that's very close to the fire station.

"The irony of irony is it’s being put out by Brampton firefighters.”

Fire engines from Dearne, Barnsley, Elm Lane, Edlington and Rotherham fire stations attended.

An aerial ladder platform was also mobilised to help tackle the blaze.

Fire officers worked alongside colleagues from South Yorkshire Police and other agencies to ensure the safety of residents living close to the scene of the incident.

Nearby residents were advised to stay indoors and keep doors and windows shut, due to the large amount of smoke coming from the building.

Some residents living on Knollbeck Crescent were evacuated.

Brampton Bierlow fire station closed in June 2010 and was sold to developers in May this year.