STRAY sparks from a grinder are being blamed for a large fire which gutted a derelict factory that used to store frozen turkeys.
Firecrews tackled the blaze at the old factory on the Dalton Industrial Estate as thick black clouds swept across nearby Dalton, close to Thirsk.
The empty building 20 metres square is to be demolished to make way for housing and workmen are on site getting the area ready.
The fire on Willow Bridge Mills lane was spotted at 2.37pm on Wednesday, January 12 and firefighters faced exploding gas cylinders plus the black smoke.
The crews took until late on Wednesday night to extinguish the blaze and fire crews believe the sparks are at fault but an investigation will take place.
A North Yorkshire Fire Brigade spokesman said: "The cause of the fire is not yet known and remains under investigation.
"Fire Investigation Officers will revisit the scene when it is safe to do so."
No-one was injured or killed in the fire and the A168, which runs adjacent to the factory and which was closed to traffic due to the smoke, re-opened late on Wednesday night.
Householders were told stay indoors and to keep all windows closed due to the smoke.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here