A FIRE which caused the collapse of a historic Burnley pub and put lives at risk is thought to have been caused by arsonists.

Thirty firefighters had to be drafted in from across Lancashire to extinguish the fire at the former Bull and Butcher pub in Manchester Road, which saw the roof cave in and an entire floor collapse.

MORE TOP STORIES:

Firefighters were at the scene for more than 12 hours and had to close Manchester Road to allow them to safely carry out their work.

(PICTURES/VIDEO: David Harvey)

The fire, which is believed to have been ignited on the first floor, saw the roof collapse, the first floor cave in and damage caused to two chimney stacks.

Part of the front of the building had to be demolished because it was deemed structurally unsafe.

Crew manager Gary Drinkwater said whoever set the fire were reckless for taking up resources from across the county.

Mr Drinkwater, who works out of Hyndburn Station, said: “We suspect this fire was started deliberately. It has caused untold damage to the building and it will probably have to be completely demolished.

“We also had to take the aerial rescue platform from Preston, meaning there was only one left at Morecambe covering the whole of Lancashire. They’re actions were reckless.”

Lancashire County Councillor Marcus Johnstone said: “It’s been empty for quite a long time, which is a shame because it is a gateway site into Burnley.

“What we really don’t need is a burnt out building.

“I am relieved that nobody was trapped and there were no casualties. But I am sure it must have been a very frightening experience for people who live around there.”

Coal Clough with Deerplay ward councillor Gordon Birtwistle said: “There’s been people hanging around that pub for quite some time and now it looks like someone has deliberately lit a fire.

“Whoever it was is an irresponsible idiot. I hope the police catch them and the courts deal with them severely.

“This is a historic building which is on the old stage coach routes from Manchester to Burnley. It’s a real shame what has happened.”

Fellow ward councillor Margaret Brindle said: “I was only there on Sunday taking photographs. I’m totally shocked. It’s a landmark in the town.

“It is a bit of a blow to the area because it could have been quite a boost for the local economy. It is a tragedy.”

Resident Jacqueline Harvey said: “I was woken up by the flashing lights from the fire engines. I looked out of the window and the flames were coming from the far end of the building. It was quite dramatic. I’m just glad the wind wasn’t blowing this way.

“I know there has been planning applications to re-open it in the past and this is either going to prompt the developers in to doing something or it’s going to go the other way and it will be an eyesore for many years.”

Firefighters received calls about the fire at 2am. At its height there were six engines, from Burnley, Colne, Nelson and Accrington, and 30 firefighters using four jets and one hose reel.

Nobody was injured in the fire.

Anyone with information is asked to call police on 101.