Residents are being asked to close windows and doors as firefighters tackle a huge blaze. 

Just before 3am today (June 9), 10 fire engines, one aerial ladder platform, and the drone team were called to a blaze at Junction 7 Business Park on Blackburn Road in Clayton-le-Moors.

Firefighting operations are still under way this morning. 

While crews tackle the fire, Blackburn Road will be closed between Whalley Road and Dunkenhalgh Way. It is anticipated that this road closure will be in place for a number of hours and will likely cause morning traffic disruption.

Group Manager for the fire service, Liam Wilson said: “At the minute we have got 10 fire appliances, an aerial ladder platform, a high volume pump and a stinger in use.

“We have had a severe developed fire involving approximately 20 shipping containers and an unknown large number of pallets.

“At this moment in time, operations are likely to take place for a number of hours.

“We’ve got a traffic management in place along Blackburn Road and that’s in place to restrict and manage traffic due to the high volume pump which is supplying water from the canal up on Blackburn Road.

“Please avoid the area is at all possible and if you are affected by smoke or fumes from the incident please make sure that you close windows and doors and try and avoid the area as much as possible.

“One final ask in respect of the actual incident is we have got a drone in use supplying imagery and thermal image pictures to myself and other commanders on scene.

“Do not undertake any flying of any other drones in the immediate area please.

“That would obviously cause obstructions to us and prohibit operations on scene.

“So I do thank you very much and we will endeavour to deal with the incident as quickly and safely as possible and then we can get the road closures and everything else open to avoid any obstruction.”