Fire crews were called to a major factory blaze at a business estate in Blackburn.

Huge plumes of smoke could be seen across the town early in the evening on Saturday (April 6) following the blaze at the Witton Business Park off Preston Old Road, opposite the entrance to the Witton Park Arena.

Preston Old Road was closed in both directions through the night as emergency teams tackled the blaze and attempted to make the area safe. The fire was at the back of the site running parallel to the River Darwen.

Teams had cordoned off the site quite quickly as business owners rushed to the scene.

The road was still closed at 7.15am this morning (Sunday).

Here is some footage from last night.

A Lancashire Fire and Rescue spokesperson said: “At 7:27pm on 06 April, eight fire engines from Blackburn, Hyndburn, Darwen, Bamber Bridge, Fulwood, Penwortham, and Preston, together with two aerial ladder platforms (ALPs) from Preston and Hyndburn, a command unit from Fulwood, and a stinger appliance from Blackburn, attended a commercial building fire on Preston Old Road, Blackburn. 

“The incident involved a commercial property approximately 30x30m in size that was well alight when the crews arrived. Firefighters used six hose reel jets, two ALPs, and a stinger appliance to extinguish the fire.

“If you are affected by smoke, please keep all windows and doors closed.”

A further update read: “Fire crews are likely to remain in attendance through the night. Road closures are in place on Preston Old Road, so please continue to avoid the area.”

Lancashire Telegraph:

Here was the scene this morning (Sunday).

Traffic had been diverted away from the site through the night.

Preston Old Road is a main road into and out of Blackburn connecting residents to Pleasington Playing fields, the cemetery, Cherry Tree and an M65 junction.

Drivers had to find alternative routes through the night and head towards Ewood and then on to Livesey Branch Road.

Blackburn with Darwen Council said Witton Park Arena was closed and there is a change of access to the Easter Fair taking place at the park.

The council said: "Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service (Official) remain on site at a fire in Preston Old Road in Blackburn.

"The road there remains closed.

"Due to a loss of power in the area, unfortunately, Witton Park Arena is unable to open today. We will update further as soon as we can.

"The main entrance to Witton Park is also closed.

"If you are visiting Witton Park today or the fair, please plan your route and use the Tower Road entrance or the one off Buncer Lane."