The fire, which broke out on 4 May, prompted a significant operation by Lancashire Fire & Rescue Service, which deployed several engines to tackle a blaze that burned throughout the night and well into the following morning.
Following an investigation, the fire service has revealed that the blaze began when raw potato cake mixture was discharged onto a hot plate and was ultimately deemed an accident.
Warburtons said it had collaborated closely with the fire service throughout the investigation. A spokesperson added: “We thank them again for their response.”
A message on the baking manufacturer’s website acknowledged that the fire had resulted in its potato cakes – which are widely available in supermarkets – being unavailable in recent weeks, but said the product should return to shelves over the coming weeks.
The Burnley factory also produces crumpets, sandwich thins, wraps and soft pittas for the Bolton-based business.
In a statement given to our sister publication British Baker, a spokesperson for the company said: “Production resumed at the bakery shortly after the incident and our investment in the site, including two new crumpet lines, will go ahead as planned.”
“This represents a significant investment in the future of the bakery and underlines our long-term commitment to Burnley.”
The news comes as Warburtons recently unveiled a £100 million investment plan that includes the Burnley site, alongside the purchase of the former Rathbones bakery in Wakefield, increased capacity at Newburn, a new distribution centre in Biggleswade and a new pancake line in Bolton.
