The fire started in the early hours of this morning at a plastic recycling plant on a site which was operated by V10 Polymers, on Patterson Street. The fire involved around 100 tonnes of material.
A spokesperson for Lancashire Fire and Rescue service confirmed that an investigation is underway to determine the cause of the fire.
Liquidation
The waste plastics piled up at Queen’s Park, Blackburn has caused some local concerns for several years. Local media reported in 2012 that residents were worried about the site.
Now it has emerged that V10 Polymers went into liquidation earlier this year with debts of £1.25 million. The business was owned by David Holt of Comberbach, Northwich and Brian Holt of Old Langho, Blackburn.
The two owners had an interest in earlier years in Holt & MacIntosh (Waste Plastics) and more recently in Holts Developments Ltd of Blackburn which went into liquidation last year.
Gareth Howarth, liquidator of V10 Polymers confirmed that the business no longer traded and explained that the land holding the plastics was owned by Holts Development which was in liquidation through Begbies Traynor.
Statement
In a statement, Lancashire Fire and Rescue confirmed fire engines and specialist units from Blackburn, Darwen and Burnley attended the fire.
Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service said: “Firefighters used two jets, a water tower, hazardous materials unit and drone to get the fire under control.
“Due to the amount of smoke in the area, several homes in the area were evacuated by the police straightaway and residents slightly further away were advised to keep windows and doors shut.”
In a statement, Lancashire Police said at 6am today it was made aware of a ‘large industrial fire’ in Grimshaw Park area of Blackburn.
Evacuation
The statement continued: “Police attended and officers assisted with the evacuation of a small number of nearby properties.”
On its website, Blackburn with Darwen council confirmed the fire took place at the V10 Polymers plant.
The council said residents in the area are being asked to stay away from the scene to avoid exposure to the ‘fumes’ and are advised to keep windows and doors closed.
The council also advise anyone in the area experiencing breathing problems to either contact their GP or call 101.
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