Car repair unit hit by blaze
AJOINT police and fire service investigation is underway after a suspicious blaze caused ‘ significant damage’ at a multi-occupancy commercial building.
Six fire engines from Hyndburn, Blackburn, Great Harwood, and Darwen were called to the unit on Maden Street in Church at around 11.15pm on Sunday.
Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service (LFRS) said a fire initially involving two vehicles, spread to the nearby commercial unit - causing significant damage.
Pictures shared on social media by Hyndburn Fire Station showed the extent of the damage to the outside of the unit, and one of the vehicles involved. No injuries were reported.
A Lancashire Police spokesman said on Wednesday that the incident is still under investigation, but they are treating it as suspected arson.
There have been no arrests, and enquiries are ongoing.
In a statement, LFRS said: “At 23:14 on 22nd August, six fire engines from Hyndburn, Blackburn, Great Harwood, and Darwen, including the aerial ladder platform from Hyndburn, attended a vehicle fire on Maden Street, Church.
“The incident involved two vehicles and spread to affect a neighbouring commercial building approximately 70x20m in size. Firefighters used the aerial ladder platform, two hose reel jets, and breathing apparatus to bring the fire under control. No casualties were reported.”
An update at 4am on Monday said two fire service crews remained at the scene to continue to monitor the incident and check for hot spots.
The fire service was unable to comment on the cause of the fire.
A spokesperson said on Wednesday: “A joint investigation is underway between ourselves and the police. The fire itself caused significant damage. It affected multioccupational units within a single storey commercial building.”
Phoenix Motorsports Vehicle Repair Shop confirmed they were one of the businesses impacted by the blaze.
Call police on 101 quoting log 1807 of August 22 or independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.