Fire crews are ‘likely to be on the scene for days’ following a major incident at a Lancaster industrial estate.
Emergency services were called just after 5:30am today (Sunday, December 3), to a commercial building fire on Port Royal Avenue, involving a large building containing commercial waste.
An eye-witness told Beyond Radio they saw smoke coming from the former A1 Supa Skips/power station site on the Lune Industrial Estate.
Read more: VIDEOS and PHOTOS: Ten fire engines called to blaze on Lancaster industrial estate
A large smoke plume remains visible from the site and firefighters are using specialist equipment such as aerial ladder platforms, a stinger and hazardous materials unit to bring the fire under control.
People in the local area are advised to keep out of the smoke plume and keep windows and doors shut if they can see or smell smoke.
No injuries have been reported.
Ian Armistead, Incident Commander for Lancashire Fire and Rescue, said: ‘’On arrival, the building was fully involved in fire, which required ten fire engines and specialist vehicles to attend the scene to deal with the incident.
‘’We ask that residents keep their windows and doors closed while we deal with this incident, and Europa Way is closed.
‘’We’re likely to be on the scene for a number of days, working with our partners to resolve this incident. We have a number of tactical plans to deal with it safely and effectively, and we’re trying to reduce the impact to the community as much as possible, so we’d appreciate as much patience as possible.’’
A major incident was declared earlier this year following other fires at the former skip hire site and power station, and a multi-agency task force the Lancashire Resilience Forum, including the Environment Agency, Lancashire County Council, Lancaster City Council, Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service and Lancashire Police, was set up.
Cat Smith, MP for Lancaster, was among those calling for urgent action to clear the site due to concerns over the state of the building, premises and waste, and has been asking for help from the Government.
A1 Supa Skips Ltd went into administration in April 2022 and in November 2022, the Environment Agency announced they had removed their site permit.
Lancaster remains best university in North West England in Complete University Guide
'Music with the Mayor' initiative launched to support North Lancashire’s Citizens Advice
DIARY: Beyond Radio presenter fighting cancer continues his '60 Before 60' challenge
BIG FIGHT COUNTDOWN: Tyson Fury's father John headbutts Usyk supporter ahead of undisputed heavyweight title fight
Decision to refuse Galgate housing scheme planning permission upheld following public inquiry
INTERVIEWS and PHOTOS: The story of Highest Point festival 2024
INTERVIEW: Lancaster prison officer backed by Tyson Fury wins sport contest ahead of Miss England bid
VIDEO and INTERVIEW: Lancaster schoolboy, 10, makes drum 'n' bass DJ debut at Lancaster festival
Highest Point 'Lancaster Rocks' night cancelled due to thunderstorms warning
Quad bike rider dies after road crash in Morecambe
Morecambe guesthouse couple to star on reality TV show 'Four in a Bed'
PHOTOS: Northern Lights dazzle on Highest Point festival day one
Mother and son unveiled as new Lancaster mayoral team
New police and crime commissioner for Lancashire begins role
Morecambe homeless man jailed after admitting criminal damage
Firefighters tackle fire at flat in Morecambe
Lancaster youth charity awarded £221,400 towards vision for 'creative youth space' in city
Tennis club near Lancaster unveils new courts after £50,000 fundraising campaign
INTERVIEW: Highest Point chief 'proud' of lineup for 2024 festival
Highest Point festival stage times: all you need to know
