Drone images show extent of commercial building blaze in Higher Walton after fire sparks fears of gas explosion

Six fire engines and an aerial ladder platform from Preston, Penwortham, Bamber Bridge, Leyland, Chorley, Darwen and Blackburn attended the incident in Blackburn Road at around 9.40am on Wednesday (September 21).

The incident was brought under control but firefighters were expected to remain in attendance for several hours due to the presence of gas cylinders in the building.

“No injuries have been reported and the cause of the fire is currently under investigation,” a spokesman for Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service said.

Three fire engines and the aerial ladder platform were still in attendance by 4pm, with drones used to assess the area and any potential hotspots.

Drone images from the scene showed the roof suffered extensive damage in the blaze as plumes of smoke filled the air.

Roads in the surrounding area were also closed as emergency services tackled the fire, resulting in slow-moving traffic.

LFRS said the cause of the fire was under investigation.