Evacuations after industrial fire

Firefighters are still cooling cylinders at the site

A number of homes and businesses have been evacuated following a large fire at an industrial estate in Lancashire.

About 50 firefighters were involved in tackling the fire at Primet Business Centre on Burnley Road, Colne.

Although the fire has been put out, crews remain at the site cooling a number of gas cylinders which were believed to be an explosion risk.

A 200m (656ft) cordon has been put up around the site and part of Burnley Road remains closed.

Ten appliances, including an aerial ladder platform, were called to the fire at about 1220 GMT.

A spokesman for Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service said initial investigations suggested the blaze was accidental.

Temporary accommodation

It is believed to have been started by a spark from a grinding wheel in the workshop of the premises.

At least a dozen homes and business premises have been evacuated and the position of the cordon - which is in the town centre - is expected to lead to some disruption.

Pendle Borough Council has opened an evacuation centre at Pendle Leisure Centre in the town.

Ian McInery, operational services manager, said the cordon was expected to remain in place for up to 24 hours.

"We're finding temporary accommodation for residents who live nearest to the business centre," he added.