According to Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service, a fire was first reported at 14.45 yesterday afternoon (4 May) at Warburtons’ Burnley bakery on Billington Road.
The incident reportedly concerns one of the site’s production lines and, as of 09.00 today, the fire had yet to be extinguished, with crews expected to remain on scene for the next couple of days to ensure the blaze has been fully dealt with.
Six fire engines and an aerial ladder platform remain at the scene this morning as pockets of fire continue to burn, with firefighters said to be working alongside “on-site teams” to extinguish the blaze and mitigate any impact on neighbouring properties.
A Warburtons spokesperson confirmed that a fire had broken out at its Burnley facility and that it was now under control.
They thanked Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service and added that everyone present in the building had been evacuated safely.
They added: “We don’t know the cause of the fire, or the full extent of the damage as yet. We continue to bake at our 11 other bakeries across the country.”
This was corroborated by the fire service, which added in its statement: “No injuries have been reported, and the cause of the fire is currently under investigation.
“We ask that members of the public continue to avoid the area and not to fly drones, as this can hinder our drone from carrying out essential work.”
The incident was spotted by local financier Dave Fishwick - who inspired the ‘Bank of Dave’ film after starting a finance company for local people and businesses in 2011.
Fishwick identified the blaze as he was flying overhead in his helicopter. In a video posted to Facebook, he can be heard saying: “I’m flying over Burnley and there’s a huge fire down there. I hope everybody is OK. It’s unbelievable how big the fire is.
“I better call the fire brigade now and just make sure they know about it. The big factory roof looks like it is going up. It looks like it is Warburtons.”
