AN investigation is underway after a fire in Oswaldtwistle on Sunday afternoon involving a number of caravans and vehicles.

Plumes of thick black smoke could be seen in the sky near Coal Pit Lane after caravans, an outbuilding and vehicles caught alight. 

Residents described hearing the sound of gas bottles exploding during the incident which happened just after 2pm. 

An eyewitness said a police cordon had been set up and there were a number of emergency vehicles at the scene. 

Initially there were fears someone was trapped, however this turned out not to be the case and nobody was injured. 

A fire spokesman said: "Three fire engines and crews, two from Hyndburn and one from Great Harwood, were assigned to a fire involving an outbuilding, three caravans, a van and a car.

"Firefighters equipped with breathing apparatus used two hydrant-supplied jets and three hosereels to put the fire out and to cool down propane gas bottles otherwise in prospect of igniting.

"Initially it was feared that someone might be trapped in the fire but there were in fact no casualties.

"The cause of the fire is believed to have been deliberate and a joint fire and police investigation is underway." 

A man at the scene said it involved some gas cylinders. 

He said: "It looked worse than it was. There was just a lot of smoke but it was over in about 10 minutes." 

One resident said: "My neighbour phoned me and asked what was going on. 

"I went outside and could see very thick black smoke. 

"The wind was blowing it over the houses then crowds of people started to come out. 

"It looked serious. 

"There were a lot of bangs which were gas cannisters. It sounded worse than fireworks. 

"There were about four big thuds." 

Another resident said: "It could have been calor gas bottles or bitumen mixed with water because that can cause an explosion. 

"I would not like to be near either when they go off. 

"I think it was plastics that ignited which is why the smoke was so black and the calor gas bottles are used for building work.

"There were a couple of fire engines and God knows how many police cars. 

"I was watching television and looked out of the window and it had gone black. I thought 'what is going on?' then I saw two police cars flying past. 

"I think there were about eight altogether.

"The firefighters had it under control after 10 minutes. It went from black to normal smoke then 20 minutes later it had gone."