ARSONISTS are thought to have targeted a large pile of rubbish once again - just months after the last incident.

The fire happened on wasteland off Hart Street, Blackburn, at around 1.40pm today (Sunday) and involved 30 tonnes of rubbish.

Firefighters spent around two hours battling the fire and used a stinger appliance to put out the blaze.

Crews were due to carry out a further inspection of the site this evening to ensure no further risk of fire remains.

Blackburn fire station crew manager Alistair Cameron said the rubbish needed moving.

He said: "The fire happened to the rear of Aquamania.

"The stinger fire engine from Blackburn attended and we put out the fire in around two hours.

"We've contacted the environment agency and council as the rubbish needs moving as we've been called out several times in recent months."

In March, crews were called to the same site as arsonists set the pile of rubbish on fire.

It includes household and commercial waste.

Dumped items on the site which lies near to the Leeds Liverpool canal include tyres, sofas and planks of wood.

Mr Cameron added: "We believe this was deliberate as there's no other explanation.

"It's just a waste of resources and the rubbish is polluting the environment and the waterways.

"We just want to see it moved.

"There are old needles and drinks cans there also so we'd warn the public not to go down there."