Inferno

More than a hundred people phoned the emergency services as huge flames and plumes of smoke from the blaze at Primrose Mill, Burnley, could be seen as far away as Blackburn.

Fifty firefighters in 10 fire engines from Burnley, Nelson, Colne, Earby, Accrington, Rawtenstall and other stations fought the raging inferno.

The mill in Queen Street, Harle Syke, was destroyed and a joint police and fire service investigation was today continuing into the cause of the fire, which began at around 11.30pm on Saturday.

Firefighters had tried to contain the blaze in one section of the mill but were forced to flee, abandoning their equipment.

As they continued to fight the flames into the night, hundreds of residents gathered to watch on nearby fields, some coming from as far away as Accrington.

Dry, warm weather, a lack of water and flammable foam and furniture in the mill combined to thwart fire fighters' efforts.

Watch manager Chris Hollis said crews tried to contain the blaze on a single storey before it broke through to the second floor.

He said: "The flames were going up the rear of the building and broke the glass windows either side of the fire fighters. Within a nanosecond, either floor was alight. We removed the crews as it would have been suicidal to stay any longer.

"Some of the equipment, such as hose lines, were destroyed as we did not have enough time to bring it out."

Firefighters were also hampered by a "poor" water supply. They had to ask the water authority to increase pressure and eventually got more from neighbouring Queen's Mill Lodge.

Mr Hollis added: "Unfortunately, by then the damage was done. We are investigating it and keeping our minds open. The premises appear to have been secure."

Firefighters prevented flames from reaching a nearby tank containing 3,000 gallons of fuel oil and were ready to protect nearby St James' Church vicarage, which was heating up.

The mill is used for storage by bed manufacturers and furniture makers Sweet Dreams.

Managing director Riaz Ahmed said: "I feel bad. It's not a good feeling. The mill is not in a good state and we wish it had never happened.

"But we're glad that no-one was hurt. Materials can be replaced. We will carry on, no problem." Mr Ahmed would not speculate on the cause or the cost of damage but pledged to work with the authorities to find out what happened.

Talbot Drive resident John Eardley, 51, said: "I was just going to bed and shut the window and saw the fire. I phoned the fire brigade and they already knew about it.

"It was very dramatic and very quick. It went along the building and there was nothing they could do."

Tony Mattinson, 49, of Cross Street, was coming back from Liverpool Airport on return from his holidays when he saw the flames from as far away as Blackburn.

He said: "It was a big, fiery circle. I thought it was Blythe's Chemicals in Accrington at first. There were up to 600 people out when I got here. All the village was out and some were from as far away as Accrington."

Insp Russ Morgan said "Police assisted the fire service by blocking off local roads though there were no evacuations or harm to anyone. A joint investigation between the fire service and police will begin."

Firefighters spent the whole of Sunday continuing to damp down the wreckage.

Fire investigators have appealed for anyone who took pictures of the early stages of the blaze to contact them. Call Nick Isherwood on 01772 866867.