AN INVESTIGATION has been launched after an outbuilding containing gas cylinders and asbestos burned down.
Residents were warned to close their doors and windows following the fire in Longsight Road, close to Tiggis Restaurant, at Clayton-le-Dale.
Smoke from the fire could even be smelt in Blackburn town centre on Tuesday morning.
At its height, up to 20 firefighters from across East Lancashire were tackling the blaze, which started at 5.30pm on Monday.
Firefighters left the scene at around 10.30pm but they returned on Tuesday morning to ensure the fire was completely out.
The outbuilding, which spanned 10 metres by five metres, was destroyed by along with tools inside. 
The cause of the fire is under investigation but it is not believed to be arson.
A fire service spokesman yesterday said: “We were called to a fire in an outbuilding in which there were a number of gas cylinders and asbestos. 
“Two fire engines from Blackburn, including the ‘Stinger’ water jet initially attended. 
“But because we were struggling for water we requested a further three appliances, from Hyndburn, from Great Harwood and from Preston. 
“The fire had been mostly extinguished at 10.30pm but we returned at 12.30am to ensure it was still out. We will be returning again.
“Nobody was injured. The building, which also contained tools, was completely destroyed. 
“We think the cause of the fire was accidental but it is under investigation.”
Police were called to the scene to ensure nobody go too close to the fire. They also sent out a warning on social media telling residents to keep their doors and windows closed because of fears of asbestos spreading.
A police spokesman said: “We were called at 6.20pm by the fire service to reports of a fire on Longsight Road, near to Tiggis Restaurant, Clayton-le-Dale. 
“We were requested to attend to stop people from walking on the footpath leading to the outbuilding which was on fire.”