Road closed and businesses evacuated as firefighters tackle fire near business centre

Six fire engines, two ambulances and several police officers are at the scene on Branch Road, Lower Darwen, as firefighters deal with the blaze which is thought to have started inside one of the units in the Brook Mill Industrial Complex.

All businesses on the site, including a doggy daycare centre and carwash, have been evacuated.

A police spokesman also confirmed that a full road closure was in place on Branch Road with a cordon blocking off the road from Bolton Road and the B6231.

Those living in the area have been asked to keep their windows and doors shut. 

A fire service spokesman said: "We currently have six fire engines and an aerial ladder platform at a commercial building fire on Branch Rd in Lower Darwen.

"If you're nearby keep your windows and doors closed to avoid any smoke."

The service's drone has also been spotted out flying above the fire.

Many of the businesses on the estate have now confirmed they don't know when they will next be able to open, with the police advising many of them they will have to stay closed tomorrow. 

Howard, from Howard's Happy Hounds - a dog grooming service - said he was in his unit when the police came in and told him he would have to evacuate. 

He said: "I didn't see anything as I was inside the whole time. The police came in and told us all to evacuate and luckily I only had my dogs with me so I was able to put them in the car and drive around the corner.

"I did hang around for a while but then had to go home because of the fumes. I've not really heard anything since, but the unit I work in will have to stay closed tomorrow."

Bosses at The Collar Club, a doggy daycare centre, also confirmed that they will have to remain closed for the foreseeable future. 

A spokesman said: "Unfortunately we do not know much at this moment in time but we are very hopeful that the daycare has not been touched.

"Due to the fire we will be closed tomorrow."

Earlier in the day they had posted to their Facebook page informing people that they had safely evacuated their unit along with all the dogs that were in daycare at the time. They confirmed that all dogs were safe and accounted for.

A police spokesman said that officers were on scene assisting firefighters.

They said: “A number of properties have been evacuated and we have put a road closure in place on Branch Road. We would advise people to stay away from the area whilst the incident is on-going.”

Plumes of smoke could first be seen billowing into the air at around 5pm.

Jenny Heath was returning home from work when she saw what was going on.

She said: “I’ve parked the car and have been stood waiting to find out what is going on. The firefighters seem to have put out the main fire as there is not as much smoke as there was before, but there is still a really strong smell of burning in the air.

“It must be a nightmare for the people who have been evacuated.”

The cause of the fire is currently unknown.