AN ASBESTOS fire at a derelict factory in Darwen caused roads to be closed.

The fire is believed to have been deliberately started at around 7am today.

When a crew from Darwen attended at 7.30am, the former furnishings factory off Hannah Street was well alight.

A third pump from Blackburn was called to the scene, as were police and environmental health officers, when it became clear that there was asbestos in the building structure.

The firefighters spent over four hours putting out the fire and making the area safe, and police closed part of Redearth Road and one end of Hannah Street.

Darwen watch manager Steve Harrison said: "There are always serious safety issues around asbestos fires.

"The fire was located behind the asbestos sheets so it was difficult to get at without disturbing the asbestos, but once we had the correct resources in place, the fire was put out quite quickly.

"Every firefighter who entered the building had to be decontaminated after, and their kit and breathing apparatus sent to be specially cleaned.

"Although the roads were closed for some time, it caused very little disruption because it is a mostly industrial area, and we did not have to evacuate anybody."