Explosions heard in Darwen as crews tackle 'pallet blaze'

At around 11.30am on Tuesday (February 6), four crews from Blackburn, Darwen and Hyndburn, along with the hazardous materials unit from Burnley and the stinger from Blackburn were called to a building in Johnson Road in the Waterside area of Darwen. 

Johnson Road is a long road which runs between Hoddlesden and Eccleshill.

There are a number of residential buildings along the road, as well as several allotment and farm buildings, a pallet/wood storage workshop, and sink manufacturer, Shaws of Darwen.

Blackburn with Darwen ward councillor, Cllr Matt Jackson, who lives nearby, said the fire broke out in a wood storage workshop, housing pallets and other bits of wood, which has now been completely destroyed.

He said: "No-one was injured but the wood storage area set alight and the fire service has been down and put it out.

"Everything is pretty much burned to the ground but thankfully no injuries."

One person living nearby said they heard a few "loud explosions" and pictures taken from close to the scene show black smoke rising into the sky.

Smoke can be seen coming from the fire in Darwen (Image: Jonny Crook via Social Media)

A spokesperson for the fire service said: "At 11.32am on February 6 2024, four fire engines from Blackburn, Darwen and Hyndburn along with the hazardous materials unit from Burnley and the stinger from Blackburn attended a commercial building fire on Johnson Road, Darwen.

"Firefighters wore breathing apparatus and used one hose reel jet, a ground monitor, a light portable pump and the Stinger appliance to extinguish the fire.

"Crews remain in attendance."