An arson investigation is underway after a pile of tyres were set alight in Rishton yesterday – causing a plume of thick black smoke that could be seen for miles.
Fire crews attended the blaze near the derelict Britannia Mill in Spring Street shortly after 4pm on Wednesday.
More than 20 concerned residents called Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service headquarters in Preston to alert them of the problem.
John Taylor, a spokesman for Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service, said no one had to be evacuated from their homes despite Operation Merlin, a multi-agency response procedure, being put in place.
He said: "Luckily firefighters put the fire out without the need to evacuate people. An investigation is underway."
One firefighter said: "You could see the smoke for miles around. There was 20 square metres of tyres piled four to five metres high and there was a big black plume of smoke. Operation Merlin was in place until 8pm on Wednesday but no one had to be evacuated."
Fifteen firefighters from Hyndburn tackled the blaze, smoke and debris along with crews from Blackburn.
Teams continued to dampen down the scene at the derelict mill on Spring Street into the early hours of this morning.
An investigation into its cause continues.
