A huge blaze which billowed thick black smoke across Fleetwood on Wednesday evening (June 3) has now been brought under control.
The fire is believed to have started at around 5pm at the former Ex-Catalogue Outlet in Lord Street, which was once also a Marks and Spencer store.
Approximately 20 firefighters from stations across the Fylde coast including Fleetwood, Blackpool, Lytham and St Annes were at the scene until late into the evening trying to get the flames under control.
It is not know what caused the blaze in the empty shop but concerns have been raised by witnesses at the scene it has been the target of vandals recently.
At least eight fire engines were used to pump water onto the building which is connected to other retail premises.
One eyewitness said: “The flames are massive. This is a really big fire that looks like it could be at risk of spreading.
“At the back of the building you can see huge orange flames.
“The whole town is covered by thick black smoke, it’s horrible.”
Firefighters remained at the scene overnight, to ensure the “fire was full extinguished”.
In a video posted to the Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service Facebook page at around midnight, Incident Commander Chris West said: “At 5pm this evening, Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service were called to reports of the fire at the Ex-Catalogue store on Lord Street.
“When our firefighters arrived, they were met with significant fire that was developing in the former Catelogue store.
“Throughout the incident, our firefighters have worked extremely hard to bring the fire under control, and we've needed a significant amount of resources to help put this fire out.
“We've had a great deal of support from our partners that include Lancashire Police, Northwest Ambulance Service, Wyre Council, and many other partners. And at the height of this incident, we had eight fire engines supporting the activities on scene.
“At the peak of the incident, there was a significant smoke plume that was drifting over neighbouring properties, and we're thankful that this smoke has not affected anybody's properties and everyone has remained safe in their homes.
“We are now bringing the incident to a close and we will be in attendance throughout the night to ensure that the fire is fully extinguished. I thank all the local residents for their support and helping us to manage the scene.”
1. Firefighters are responding to a major fire at the former Ex Catalogue store and M&S in Lord Street, Fleetwood. Huge flames and thick black smoke can be seen billowing across the town
Firefighters are responding to a major fire at the former Ex Catalogue store and M&S in Lord Street, Fleetwood. Huge flames and thick black smoke can be seen billowing across the town | Iconic Media Photo: Iconic Media
2. Firefighters are responding to a major fire at the former Ex Catalogue store and M&S in Lord Street, Fleetwood. Huge flames and thick black smoke can be seen billowing across the town
Firefighters are responding to a major fire at the former Ex Catalogue store and M&S in Lord Street, Fleetwood. Huge flames and thick black smoke can be seen billowing across the town | Dave Nelson Photo: Dave Nelson
3. Firefighters are responding to a major fire at the former Ex Catalogue store and M&S in Lord Street, Fleetwood. Huge flames and thick black smoke can be seen billowing across the town
Firefighters are responding to a major fire at the former Ex Catalogue store and M&S in Lord Street, Fleetwood. Huge flames and thick black smoke can be seen billowing across the town | Dave Nelson Photo: Dave Nelson
4. Firefighters are responding to a major fire at the former Ex Catalogue store and M&S in Lord Street, Fleetwood. Huge flames and thick black smoke can be seen billowing across the town
Firefighters are responding to a major fire at the former Ex Catalogue store and M&S in Lord Street, Fleetwood. Huge flames and thick black smoke can be seen billowing across the town | Iconic Media Photo: Iconic Media