Arson probe launched into huge blaze
Homes are evacuated Families sleep rough in cars 50 firefighters tackle fire Flames shoot 60ft into air
ARAGING fire that saw flames leaping ‘up to 60 feet’ in the air has completely gutted a town centre former furniture warehouse.
An arson investigation has been launched following the major blaze at the former FAB Furniture Shop, on Beaconsfield Street, Haslingden which took 50 firefighters to tackle on Monday night.
Residents from five homes were evacuated until the next evening for the area to be made safe.
The fire also caused disruption as both Bury Road and Beaconsfield Street were closed into Tuesday.
The fire service said they could not comment on local rumours that fireworks may have been fired at the building.
Eyewitnesses described an ‘alarming’ and ‘terrible’ fire that destroyed the disused warehouse.
Church minister Rob Stredder, of Warwick Street, was just going to bed when he heard a loud crackling sound.
He rushed to the scene to see if he could help in any way after seeing the reflection of the fire in the windows of houses.
He told the Free Press: “It’s very alarming - the adrenaline was certainly pumping.
“People are still talking about it and wandering down to take a look. All the road is cordoned off - it’s terrible to see a building that’s been there for years just gone, just a shell.”
An eyewitness, who lives on nearby Blackburn Road, said he was first alerted to the fire by the loud popping sounds.
The 47-year-old, who asked not to be named, said: “It was pretty intense. My older son was in town and called me to say there was a big fire and we got up to take a look. There were quite a few people coming out of the houses. The roof was intact, but still ablaze and collapsed soon after I got there. You can still smell smoke and they were still watering this morning at about 7 o’clock.”
Seven fire crews were called to the scene shortly after 10.30pm on Monday, May 14. They spent around four hours tackling the fire, and stayed on the scene until midmorning on May 15.
Rossendale council said arrangements had been made for shelter for evacuated residents at the Haslingden Link com- munity centre - although some bedded down on Monday in their cars.
A spokesperson said on Tuesday: “The fire gutted the building and contractors have been arranged to clear up the debris and also demolish the gable end to make the area safe. The work will take place today and it is anticipated to finish by 7pm. Residents will then be able to go back to their houses later this evening.”
Lancashire Police said an investigation was ongoing and there had been no arrests. Anyone with information should call 101 quoting log number 1756 of May 14.