A significant fire broke out at Church House Farm in Potter Lane on Wednesday morning, prompting a massive response from fire crews across the county. The incident occurred in a large building located at the back of the farm, furthest away from the main road. Eyewitnesses described the scene as chaotic, with thick smoke billowing out of the building and flames licking at the windows. The fire was so intense that it required crews from multiple fire stations to respond, including Preston, Bamber Bridge, Blackburn, Leyland, Chorley, Darwen, Nelson, and Penwortham.
The fire was first reported at around 9:30 am, and crews were quickly dispatched to the scene. As they arrived, they were met with a wall of flames and smoke, which made it difficult to access the building. The fire was so intense that it was spreading quickly, and firefighters had to work quickly to contain it. They used water from the nearby River Ribble, which runs alongside the farm and adjacent Brockholes Nature Reserve, to pump into the engines and fight the blaze.
The nature reserve was closed as a precautionary measure to ensure public safety, while the fire was being battled. Visitors to the reserve were evacuated, and the area was cordoned off to prevent anyone from entering. The closure caused some disruption to the local community, but it was deemed necessary to ensure the safety of everyone involved.
Graham Woods, a local drone enthusiast, captured footage of the fire from the air, providing a bird’s-eye view of the intense blaze. His footage showed the scale of the fire and the efforts of the firefighters to contain it. The footage was shared on social media, and it quickly went viral, with many people expressing shock and concern at the severity of the fire.
The fire service worked tirelessly to bring the blaze under control, and the situation was eventually declared safe. The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of fire safety and the need for residents to be vigilant in preventing such incidents from occurring. The fire service has praised the swift response of the crews and the public for their cooperation during the incident.
The cause of the fire is currently unknown, and an investigation is underway to determine the origin and circumstances of the blaze. The extent of the damage is also unclear, but it is believed that the building was severely damaged in the fire. The fire service is working closely with the farm owners and local authorities to determine the full extent of the damage and to ensure that the area is safe for everyone.
The incident has caused some disruption to the local community, with many people expressing concern about the severity of the fire. However, the fire service has assured everyone that the situation is under control, and that the area is safe. The farm owners have also issued a statement, thanking the fire service for their quick response and expressing their gratitude for the support of the local community.
The fire service has also issued a statement, praising the swift response of the crews and the public for their cooperation during the incident. They have also emphasized the importance of fire safety and the need for residents to be vigilant in preventing such incidents from occurring. The fire service has also offered support to the farm owners and local authorities to help them recover from the incident.
The incident has also raised concerns about the safety of the River Ribble and the surrounding area. The fire service has assured everyone that the river is safe, and that the area is being monitored closely to ensure that there are no further incidents. The local authorities have also issued a statement, reassuring everyone that the area is safe and that there is no cause for concern.
The fire service has also issued a warning to residents about the dangers of fire and the importance of fire safety. They have emphasized the need for residents to be vigilant and to take steps to prevent fires from occurring. They have also offered advice on how to stay safe in the event of a fire, including having a fire escape plan in place and knowing what to do in case of a fire.
The incident has also highlighted the importance of community spirit and the need for residents to come together in times of need. The local community has rallied around the farm owners and the fire service, offering support and assistance in any way they can. The incident has also brought the community together, with many people expressing their gratitude for the bravery and quick response of the fire service.
In conclusion, the fire at Church House Farm in Potter Lane was a significant incident that required a massive response from the fire service. The incident highlights the importance of fire safety and the need for residents to be vigilant in preventing such incidents from occurring. The fire service has praised the swift response of the crews and the public for their cooperation during the incident, and has emphasized the importance of community spirit and the need for residents to come together in times of need. The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of fire safety and the need for residents to take steps to prevent fires from occurring.