Car bursts into flames in Freckleton

Fire crews rushed to the scene where the car - believed to be a Citroen Picasso - was engulfed in fire in a lay-by in Preston New Road, close to Brades Lane, at around 12.30pm.

Motorists driving past reported seeing the vehicle "suddenly burst into flames" and said it was "well alight" before fire crews arrived.

Police attended to stop the traffic while firefighters equipped with breathing apparatus doused the flames using two hose reels.

No injures have been reported.

Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service were at the scene for approximately 30 minutes.

What to do if a fire breaks out in your car​

If you suspect a fire while you are driving you need to react quickly - it only takes a few minutes for a fire to develop into an inferno like the one shown in the photo.

- Choose a safe place to stop, away from places where the fire could spread

- Switch off the engine and get out of the car as quickly as possible - there is a real danger that the car will quickly fill with highly toxic smoke

- Do NOT open the bonnet

- Get far away from the vehicle and stay away, keeping onlookers and others away

- Dial 999 and call the fire brigade

- If and only if you believe it is safe to do so, attempt to put out the fire with a dry powder or foam extinguisher

- If the fire is in the engine compartment, do NOT open the bonnet but aim the extinguisher through the radiator grille or under the edge of the bonnet

- Use with caution and if in doubt, don’t attempt to tackle the fire

- Never use water on an engine fire – it can short out wiring and spread burning petrol with disastrous effect

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