Arsonists blamed for warehouse inferno

EVENING Chronicle reader Amy Matthew captures the drama of Saturday’s blaze with this shot showing the billowing smoke and flames engulfing the building.

A RAGING inferno thought to have been started by arsonists sent a plume of thick black smoke into the air over Royton on Saturday.

At the height of the blaze, 60 fire-fighters battled to get the flames at a plastic storage warehouse in Meek Street under control.

Crews raced to the scene off Higginshaw Lane at around 3pm. The building was packed with carpet, plastics, vinyls and foams.

The materials were well ablaze by the time four engines, high-reaching aerial appliances and large hose-laying lorries arrived to prevent the fire from spreading.

The billowing smoke could be seen from miles around.

Fire-fighters had to battle the fire from the perimeter, since it was too dangerous to enter. A segment of the roof collapsed.

A large water main burst then drastically limited the supply of water.

It took several hours to control the blaze.

Group Commander Tony Lander said: “The black plume was drifting towards homes — luckily we managed to get the message out there quickly for people to stay indoors.

“We would advise people to keep their windows and doors closed until the smoke has died down.”

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