Fire at a commercial property in Withnell Fold as people are urged to avoid the area

At 7.45am, six fire engines from Bamber Bridge, Chorley, Blackburn, Preston, Hyndburn, Darwen, the aerial ladder platform from Preston, water bowser from Leyland and command support unit from Fulwood attended a commercial premises fire in Withnell Fold. The fire was well alight on arrival of crews.

At 9.41am, Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service wrote: “We still have six fire engines in attendance.

“The fire has now significantly reduced but there is a smoke plume affecting the surrounding area.

“If you can see or smell smoke, please close your windows and doors. Please avoid the area if you can.”

The LFRS Drone Team were also deployed, monitoring the building for fire spread and the safety of personnel.

By 11:45am, the incident was reduced to three fire engines and one aerial ladder platform, but firefighters remained on scene dampening down hotspots.