Fire investigation team remain at scene of fatal Whalley blaze

Emergency services were called to the fire, which started in a house on Queen Street in Whalley at about 7am on Tuesday. 

The fire was quickly extinguished but following extensive searches, it was later confirmed that a body had been recovered from the property.

Although the person has yet to be identified, it is believed the body to be that of a man, who was living in one of the houses and on Wednesday police confirmed that his next of kin has now been informed.

Flowers had been left on the cordons on Wednesday afternoon, with fire service personnel assisting in the joint police and fire investigation.

On Tuesday a police spokesman said: “We were called by Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service around 7.05am today (Tuesday, March 8) to a fire in Queen Street, Whalley.

“Sadly, a body was recovered from the property.

“Work is ongoing to identify the deceased and trace the next of kin.

“A joint investigation into the cause of the fire will be carried out by police and the fire service.”

The fire spread to three houses and, as a result, Queen Street was closed and several people living nearby were evacuated from their homes.

A cordon remained in place on Wednesday, with the road still closed to traffic. 

The fire service added: "Search and rescue operations have been carried out with assistance from a search dog and the air support unit.

"Sadly, a body was recovered from the property. A joint investigation with Lancashire Police will take place to establish the cause of the fire.

"One fire engine will remain at this incident overnight to dampen down any further hot spots in the building."

At the height of the blaze, six fire engines and an aerial ladder platform from Hyndburn, Padiham, Blackburn, Clitheroe, Haslingden, Great Harwood and Fulwood were in attendance.

Fire crews remained at the scene overnight checking for hotspots. 

Anyone with information should call police on 101, quoting log 0177 of March 8, 2022.