Recycling warehouse blaze in Blackpool was 'accidental' but cause not found

Eight crews and engines from across the Fylde coast were called to the industrial estate off Squires Gate Lane in South Shore after the 90x100m unit went up in flames shortly after 5am on April 22.

Dozens of firefighters tackled the blaze at the large recycling warehouse as thick smoke spilled into the blue morning sky.

No-one was hurt and firefighters were successful in stopping the fire from spreading to nearby buildings.

Lister Haworth, who took control of the response from a command unit parked at the scene, near Aldi and the Squires Gate Retail Park, said the alarm was raised when smoke was spotted billowing from the roof.

“Crews made a speedy entry into the premises and managed to locate the seat of the fire using breathing apparatus,” he said. “We managed to contain the fire and extinguish it.”

Mr Haworth said the unit contained “recyclable materials” but did not elaborate.

The warehouse was empty at the time of the fire, while traffic was unaffected. No nearby firms were affected.

An investigation into the cause was opened following the blaze and the case has now been concluded.

A spokesman for Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service said: "The cause has been determined as being accidental but due to the damage investigators are unable to pin point the exact cause."

The building is owned by Blackburn-based EP Properties, which is run by Zakir Issa, the older brother of billionaire Asda owners and entrepreneurs Mohsin and Zuber Issa.