FORTY workers had to be evacuated after a fire took hold at a factory in Altham.

Firefighters were called to tackle the blaze at the Skyware Global factory, in Metcalf Drive, on Altham Industrial Estate, at around 12.50pm yesterday after reports that a paint line oven had caught fire.

The flames spread through the ducting and four fire crews, along with a triple extension ladder crew, attended the scene.

The crews used four ventilation units, two breathing apparatus, three hose reels, three thermal imaging cam-eras and one aerial ladder platform to help bring the blaze under control.

Crew manager Alex Fletcher said it had taken around two hours to secure the building.

He said: “When we arrived, they had a developed fire in one of the ovens.

“The crews extinguished the fire and we are now dis- manling the affected ovens.

“There is severe damage to the oven and it has been smoke logged throughout the property.”

Antony Doe, manager at the factory, which makes satelite dishes, said: “The fire brigade did an excellent job and made sure everyone was safe.

“They brought the fire under control very quickly and we will open as usual in the morning.”