Crews will remain at the scene of a major fire this morning (Sunday May 7).
Last night (May 6), more than 10 fire engines were sent to battle a blaze at the B&M Bargains store on Lower Audley Street in Blackburn.
The fire broke out around 8.15pm and at engulfed the discount retail store, which sits on the same site as Asda, Halfords, Costa, JYSK store, Burger King and the Ice Arena.
Firefighters battled through the night to contain the fire and stop it spreading into the adjacent unit occupied by Halfords.
A spokesperson from Blackburn fire station confirmed this morning: "At its height we had 10 fire engines in attendance along with two aerial ladder platforms.
"We had to use water bowsers and tactical firefighting to stop the fire from spreading into Halfords.
"Operations are still ongoing this morning.
"We are unable to say what caused the fire at this time but no one was injured and staff in B&M Bargains made sure everyone was evacuated safely."
At 10.30pm the water bowser and high volume pump had been called to attend, with firefighters using ground monitors, two ventilation units, two jets hose reel jets and one hose reel and the aerial ladder platforms to bring the fire under control.
An update from Group Manager Phil Jones at 12.30am stated: "The crews were tackling a fire in the roof of the premises. The fire service are going to be here for quite a protracted period and into tomorrow.
"Some businesses may be affected in the area.
"Please keep your eye on social media for any updates."
Update at 00:30 07/05/23: Group Manager Phil Jones shared an incident update. Crews will remain in attendance overnight and into Sunday.
— Lancashire Fire & Rescue Service (@LancashireFRS) May 6, 2023
If you can see or smell smoke, please keep your windows and doors closed. Thank you. pic.twitter.com/79qxuMTRJb
The drone team also attended the incident and people were asked not to fly drones nearby as they would obstruct emergency operations.
Road closures were put in place along Lower Audley Street from Bennington Street to Park Road. Those visiting Peel Retail Park for Nandos, Vue, Pizza Hut etc were told to exit via Darwen Street Bridge/Park Road.
Park Road was reduced to a single lane and traffic was told to use the outside lane and go via Russell Street.
Grimshaw Park from Mosley Street to Russell Street was also closed.
At 10am on Sunday the incident had been reduced to two fire engines and a aerial ladder platform.
Crews will remain in attendance throughout today monitoring and extinguishing any hotspots and dampening down.
All road closures have now been lifted.
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