Delays on A59 and M6 as fire crews tackle huge farm fire near Tickled Trout in Samlesbury
A huge firefighting effort is continuing at a farm in Samlesbury where a fierce blaze broke out this morning.
A dozen fire crews were dispatched to the blaze at Church House Farm off Preston New Road (A59) in Samlesbury shortly before 6am.
Ten engines, two aerial ladder platforms and a high volume pump were used to bring the blaze under control as firefighters worked at the scene through the morning.
The A59 was partially closed to allow the fire service to run a water supply through a high volume pump at Brockholes Nature Reserve at Tickled Trout.
Fire chief Liam Wilson said his crews are having “some really good success” as firefighting efforts continue this afternoon. No injuries have been reported.
He said the number of appliances has now been reduced to six, including the two aerial ladder platforms which remain at the scene.
Mr Wilson added that firefighting efforts will continue “for the rest of the day, as a minimum” and could continue into tonight.
Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service are advising those in the area who can still see or smell smoke to keep their windows and doors closed until further notice.
The M6 southbound exit slip road was closed, while Preston New Road (A59) remains partially blocked eastbound towards Blackburn from M6 J31 (Samlesbury, Preston) to Vicarage Lane (Samlesbury).
There are also speed restrictions on the M6 southbound approaching Junction 31 for Samlesbury.
Earlier this morning, a spokesperson for the fire service said: “We currently have 10 fire engines at reports of a building fire on Preston New Road, Samlesbury.
“At 5.54am, ten fire engines from Preston, Bamber Bridge, Blackburn, Leyland, Chorley, Darwen, Nelson and Penwortham and the aerial ladder platforms from Preston and Hyndburn along with other specialist units attended a commercial building fire on Preston New Road, Samlesbury.
“If you can see or smell smoke, please keep your windows and doors closed.Please avoid the area.
“Our drone team are also attending this incident. Please do not fly drones as you will obstruct emergency operations.”
A police spokesperson added: “The A59 lane one eastbound is currently closed along with the M6 31 slip road.
“These are closed due to a nearby fire and we anticipate for them to be closed for some time.
“Please avoid the area and use alternative routes.”