AN explosion risk forced police and firefighters to evacuate people from their homes yesterday after a fire at an engineering firm on the outskirts of Burnley.

Fire crews were called to Phoenix Engineering, at the Summit Works, Manchester Road, just before 4.15pm and immediately alerted the hazardous materials team.

Acetylene cannisters were inside and eight fire appliances and up to 60 firefighters managed to prevent the blaze from spreading to the next door Holland Hydroponics and Mills and Scott kitchens showroom.

Plumes of thick black smoke, thought to have been created by boxing equipment including mats and gloves stored there, could be seen for miles around during the England vs USA game.

Authorities established an evacuation base at the St Peter’s Centre, Church Street, manned by the British Red Cross and St John’s Ambulance workers.

The blaze is believed to have started accidentally when a man was carrying out welding work on his car at the premises, firefighters said.

He refused treatment from paramedics at the scene.

Inspector Kevin Otter, of Lancashire police, said: “Due to the nature of the chemicals and cylinders inside the premises, we evacuated people from the immediate area.

“The premises are surrounded on three sides by residential properties and this has affected a number of people.”

An initial cordon was established by the emergency services, around the engineering complex, but this was extended and traffic was stopped at the nearby Glen View Road and Rossendale Road junction.

Coun Bill Brindle, Burnley council’s community safety executive member, who also lives near to The Summit, said: “I was watching as three fire engines whizzed by in quick succession so I knew it was something serious.

“I have got nothing but praise for the response from the British Red Cross and St John’s Ambulance in the circumstances.”

Caterina and Paolo Arcangelo, of Apex Close, Rosehill, were among those from the 30 to 40 homes evacuated who went to St Peter’s Centre.

Mrs Arcangelo said: “It was when I saw the smoke that I started to worry because you put everything you have into your home.”

Early on Sunday firefighters continued to tackle smaller pockets of flames before fire investigation officers moved in.

Watch manager Mark Woodward, of Burnley fire station, said caution was still needed as low-grade absestos, used in cement sheeting in the workshop’s roof, was still smouldering.

The risk to the surrounding area was being minimised though.

Staff at the Ashoka restaurant, at the former Bull and Butcher pub nearby, confirmed trade was seriously hit, as the main road remained closed until around 9pm.

According to Phoenix Engineering's website, the firm dates back to 1940 after being set up by Jack Pilling.

His son Roger is now the owner, the website says.