Firefighters tackle blaze in derelict Burnley building

Crews were called out to Blackburn Street at approximately 3pm today after reports of smoke coming from inside a disused building next to the scrap metal yard.

A tyre had been set on fire in the first floor of the building and firefighters used an extension ladder and hose reel jet to get at the fire and put it out. Fans were also used to clear the smoke and crews were at the scene for around 45 minutes.

Watch manager Damian Hartley said incidents like this put firefighters at additional risk and a choice of using the extension ladder was made because of fears the floor inside may be unstable.

He said: "I would urge people not to go into disused buildings because it is not just themselves they are putting in danger, it is firefighters too.

"The floors aren't safe, the stairs aren't safe and there is a reason there is security fencing up to keep people out."