In Pictures: Incredible Drone Footage Shows Flames Tearing Through Derelict Burslem Building

Incredible drone footage captured by our photographer Kieran, of OnlyDrones, shows the scale of the fire that ripped through a derelict building in Burslem this afternoon (Friday 2 October).

The video and pictures show flames breaking through the roof of the building on Newcastle Street as a firefighter on an aerial ladder platform pours water onto it from above, with thick smoke billowing across the area.

Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service sent four fire engines to the scene, and Newcastle Street was closed between Blake Street and Woodbank Street. People were asked to avoid the area, and those living nearby were told to keep their windows and doors closed.

Staffordshire Police said officers were called at 2.40pm. Three people, a 42-year-old woman and two men aged 38 and 42, have been arrested on suspicion of arson offences and remain in custody for questioning.

Read more: Three people arrested on suspicion of arson

Follow our live coverage of the fire

A firefighter on the aerial ladder platform tackles the fire from above. (Picture: Kieran / OnlyDrones)

Thick smoke pours from the derelict building on Newcastle Street. (Picture: Kieran / OnlyDrones)

The smoke could be seen across Burslem. (Picture: Kieran / OnlyDrones)

Firefighters and the aerial ladder platform at the scene. (Picture: Kieran / OnlyDrones)

Fire engines and police cars on Newcastle Street. (Picture: Kieran / OnlyDrones)

Water is poured onto the roof from the aerial ladder platform. (Picture: Kieran / OnlyDrones)

Smoke rises from the roof as crews work at the scene. (Picture: Kieran / OnlyDrones)