People living near a huge fire in Preston are being urged to keep windows and doors closed and to avoid travelling to the area unless necessary.
Crews from Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service have been battling a blaze which is affecting more than 300 tonnes of scrap metal at Global Ardour on Longridge Road since 1.30am this morning and the response is expected to last throughout the weekend and potentially beyond.
The early response involved several fire engines, the high-volume pump, command unit, double hose box, aerial ladder platform and a drone from Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service.
Read more: Man died in Cuerden Valley Park despite police and air ambulance efforts
Graeme Ardour, operations director at Global Ardour, told Blog Preston that no-one was hurt in the fire and no damage has been caused.
He said: “At 1:15 am, we were notified of a fire at our Preston Processing facility. Due to the rapid response of both Lancashire Fire and Rescue and our own team members, the work began to extinguish and remove the potential threat of fire spreading. The fire was soon under control and pretty much extinguished by 7 am this morning.
“The recycling industry is proving more and more difficult due to the threat of lithium batteries. The dangers and lack of knowledge on correctly disposing of these materials are very challenging to the industry and, unfortunately, something we are currently experiencing across the country is a worry.
“Luckily, we have a fantastic relationship with the Preston Division of Lancs Fire and Rescue, and the quick response has ensured no damage or, more importantly, injury to both teams who have worked tirelessly to ensure the fire was extinguished.”
In a message to residents today, Lancashire County Council said: “Emergency services are responding to a fire at a commercial waste site in the Red Scar area of Preston.
“If you can see or smell smoke, please keep your windows and doors closed and avoid the area unless your journey is essential, to allow emergency services to respond safely and efficiently.”
Ian Armistead, speaking from the scene this morning, said: “We received the call at around 1.30am that there was a fire at the site and upon arrival we discovered around 300 tonnes of scrap metal on fire.
“Firefighters, alongside staff, have battled hard throughout the night, to make sure the fire is contained to the site, but there is a significant smoke plume coming off the incident which will be visible for some time.
“We are expecting this to be protracted, throughout the weekend, and possibly into next week and we are asking people to avoid the area to allow us to fight the fire safely. If you can see smoke, or smell smoke, please close all windows and doors, and we thank you for your patience.”
