UPDATE: Tyre blaze residents allowed home

Firefighters evacuated residents close to the tyre depot and industrial units after they identified pressurised cannisters close to the flames.

Emergency services were called to the blaze at Barry and Wilkinson Tyres Ltd on Blackpool Old Road, at about midday on Sunday.

After identifying oxy-aceteline at nearby industrial units, the crews set up a 100m exclusion zone around the site, telling nearby residents to leave their homes.

Three fire crews were tackling the “significant” blaze, with police called to the scene because of smoke causing disruption to traffic.

But six engines were soon on the scene and an aerial ladder platform was called in to douse the site with water from above.

Police put road closures in place, and warned motorists to expect disruption in the area.

One man was taken to hospital with minor injuries, and was later discharged.

Fire crews later told residents it was safe to return home, after dousing the flames.

An investigation into the cause of the blaze is ongong, and exected to take up to 24 hours.