Fire crews tackle ‘suspicious’ blaze at Blackburn industrial unit (From Lancashire Telegraph)

Fire crews tackle ‘suspicious’ blaze at Blackburn industrial unit

8:00pm Friday 14th May 2010 in News By Nafeesa Shan, Reporter

MORE than 30 fire-fighters spent over four hours getting a massive blaze under control.

Flames more than 20ft high came through the roof of an industrial unit in Didsbury Street, off Burnley Road, Blackburn, when the fire spread through the building.

Firefighters attewnded from Blackburn, Darwen, Accrington and Burnley.

The Leyland-based Urban Search and Rescue Team, which is usually called to search through rubble when buildings collapse, was sent to the site around 1.15am this morning.

The specialist team made holes in the building to filter smoke out so firefighters could tackle the blaze safely.

The roof was also opened up aid firefighting efforts.

Blackburn watch manager Phil Jones said due to the scale of the fire it was not until 5am that the firefighting teams were able to get it under control.

He said the fire was being treated as suspicious and fire investigation officers were set to meet with Blackburn CID.

They are currently reviewing CCTV footage.

The unoccupied industrial unit, which is currently up for rent, contained more then 200 pallets.

Of those, 50 had been set alight.

Initially Darwen fire crews were sent to a nearby residential area of Blackburn as a number of callers thought houses were on fire.

Watch manager Jones said: “We gained access to the building from a number of fire exits and used several jets to stop it spreading all 200 pallets.”

Resident Nigel Spink, 58, of Didsbury Road, said: “I woke up at 4.30am and saw the flashing lights of the emergency services veh-icles.

"I realised the unit was on fire and had a look. It was pandemonium.”

A police spokeswoman said: “It caused substantial smoke damage inside the building and also to property inside.”

Call police on 0845 1 25 35 45 or Crimestoppers anon-ymously on 0800 555 111 with information.

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