A busy road remains closed this morning following a fire overnight.

Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service (LFRS) were called to Branch Road in Lower Darwen at 1am today (July 16) to a commercial building fire.

Police have been assisting with the road closure and have warned that it remains closed at this time between the junctions with Bolton Road and Sandy Lane.

 

Blackburn with Darwen Council is warning drivers to avoid the area and plan alternative routes.

A fire service spokesperson said: "Four fire engines from Blackburn and Darwen, along with the aerial ladder from Preston, attended an incident on Branch Road, Blackburn.

"The fire involved a single-storey commercial building.

"Firefighters used three jets, three breathing apparatus, and one triple extension ladder to extinguish the fire.

Traffic is coping well on surrounding roadsTraffic is coping well on surrounding roads (Image: AA)

"The incident is still ongoing."

The AA traffic website said traffic on other roads around the area is coping well with the incident.

A police spokesperson said: "Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service are currently at the scene of a fire at an industrial unit on Branch Road, Lower Darwen.

Four fire engines have been on the scene since 1amFour fire engines have been on the scene since 1am (Image: Blackburn with Darwen Council/X)

"We have a road closure in place on Branch Road, junction of Bolton Road, Cross Street, and Sandy Lane.

"Please find alternative routes when travelling."

A council spokesperson said: "Due to a fire, Branch Road is currently closed between Bolton Road and Sandy Lane.

"This is a full closure and there is no pedestrian access, due to asbestos material which has spread right across the road and the footways.

A full closure is in placeA full closure is in place (Image: Blackburn with Darwen Council/X)

"We will be unable to let anyone through until the area has been thoroughly cleaned, please expect the road to be closed until at least midday.

"Please use alternative routes for your journeys this morning."

LFRS have been contacted for further information.