Fire breaks out at nursery in Bamber Bridge as children and staff evacuated

Firefighters were called to a blaze at Busy Bees nursery in School Lane at around 1.30pm this afternoon (June 8).

All of the children and staff were safely evacuated from the building and their parents have been informed.

Pictures from the scene show firefighters using an aerial ladder platform and two water jets to extinguish the flames.

A section of the building's roof also looks to have collapsed as a result of the fire.

A spokesman for Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service said: "Six fire engines, including an aerial ladder platform (ALP), attended a commercial building fire on School Lane, Bamber Bridge.

"Firefighters used two main jets, a thermal imaging camera, two triple extension ladders, ceiling hooks, and the ALP to combat the fire."

"An investigation into the cause of the fire is now underway."

No casualties have been reported and the fire has now been extinguished, the fire service added.

Crews are expected to remain at the scene for several hours.

A spokesman for Busy Bees said: "At around 2pm today a fire broke out in the roof space of our Bamber Bridge nursery.

"Staff at the nursery responded immediately by contacting emergency services and carrying out a safe evacuation of the premises.

"We have accounted for all the children and staff and are pleased to report that they are all safe and unharmed.

"The Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service are currently on site and dealing with the fire. The cause of the fire is as yet unknown.

"Children have either been collected by their parents or are in a safe location at another nearby nursery.

"Once the fire brigade have completed their work we will be able to make an assessment of the damage and let parents know when we will be able to reopen.

"We regularly practice our emergency evacuation procedures for such a situation as this and would like to thank both our staff and also Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service for their prompt response."

Businesses and locals in the area reportedly provided free food, drink and shelter to the children and staff following the fire.

One parent on social media said: "Huge thanks to the staff and local businesses and residents for opening their doors and helping with the evacuation. You are heroes.

"My boy loved the ice cream Gusto put on for them all.

"Well done everyone."

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