Fire crews tackle two fires in six days at derelict Chorley mill

Fire crews were called to Cowling Mill after smoke was seen rising from the dilapidated building at around 8.15am on Monday morning (June 13).

Three fire engines arrived to find around 20 tonnes of waste ‘well alight’, sending thick black plumes of smokes into the sky.

Fire crews worked at the scene for nearly five hours as they fought the flames with jets before damping down and checking for any hotspots.

They were stood down and left the grounds at around 1pm. No injuries were reported.

It is the second time in just six days the mill has caught fire, after crews were called to tackle a blaze at the site on Wednesday, June 8.

The fire last week also involved waste materials on the ground floor of the mill but the fire service did not say whether it was suspicious or not.

Fire chiefs again stayed tight-lipped about the cause of Monday’s fire, but did say it was not reported to police.

"The police were not called to attend the incident and there is no mention of the fire’s origin seeming suspicious on the log,” said a fire service spokesman.

He added: “The incident involved around 20 tonnes of waste that was well alight when the crews arrived.

“Two fire engines from Chorley and Bamber Bridge, together with a supporting pump from Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service.

"Firefighters used one jet, a fog spike, and a water bowser to extinguish the fire.

"They remained in attendance for four and a half hours.”

Fire crews were also called to the site on Monday, April 11 after another blaze involving a heap of waste inside the run down mill. Again, no cause was given.

Whilst the fire service has dismissed any suggestion that arson was to blame for the fires, police are investigating reports of children reportedly seen entering the derelict mill.

After visiting the site on Monday, Sgt Harrison, of Chorley Police, said he fears for the safety of those youths who might venture inside.

In a message to parents, he said: "Do you know where your own children are?

“Last night I attended Cowling Mill but I could not access the building. Nonetheless as a police officer I would not be allowed to enter such a building due to the severe health and safety risks of entering such a dangerous derelict building.

"But I could hear constant smashing noises and to me it sounded clear that the building is full of dangerous hazards which could be harmful to anyone entering a building.

"Rest assured we are contacting the owner and other agencies to try and stop access and expedite the demolition of the building.

"In the meantime, do you have any images of children entering the site?

"Do you have any information which may help us ID those involved so we can educate them about the dangers?”

You can contact Chorley Police on 101 with any information.