SIX fire engines were called to a factory fire on Kent Street, Blackburn, which was thought to be caused by a spark from a workman's tool.

Traffic in and around the street, in the Lower Audley area, was halted for an hour from 11.50am yesterday.

Four pumps from Blackburn and Accrington were called out to the Pine Furniture Manufacturers warehouse and another two were called from Great Harwood and Burnley.

David Bent, Lancashire Fire Brigade assistant divisional officer, said: "The fire started in the workshop area and when the four pumps attended there was such a large build-up of smoke that we requested two more engines."

The fire caused serious damage to the roof of the building.

David Bent continued: "We are investigating the cause of the fire at the moment, but we believe it was started by a spark from the work tool of a man who was working in the building at the time."

The factory employs 10 staff and sells its stock from a warehouse behind the factory.

Trevor Jones, factory manager, said: "A small amount of damage was done to our stock, although we haven't estimated a cost yet.

"We are in the process of moving wood and equipment out of the workshop because we are not using that one any more."

Police attended the scene to divert traffic from the street.