New drone footage shows the devastation caused by a huge fire in Blackburn.

The fire broke out during the evening of Saturday (April 6) at the Witton Business Park, off Preston Old Road, opposite the entrance to the Witton Park Arena.

Preston Old Road was closed in both directions throughout the night as emergency teams tackled the blaze and attempted to make the area safe.

The initial fire was at the back of the site running parallel to the River Darwen, at a factory specialising in recycled mattresses.

The footage of the site was filmed by registered drone operator Graham Wood, from Darwen, on Monday afternoon.

He said: “It does look pretty bad. I have filmed a number of sites over the years and from above you can certainly see how much damage it was.”

Preston Old Road was reopened on Monday, but three-way temporary traffic lights have been placed on the route with a large section of the road next to the building cordoned off.

On Monday morning, the lights were being operated manually to ensure queues did not build up.

A number of fire service vehicles were on site throughout the day taking up space on one lane of the road.

Lancashire Telegraph:

Blackburn with Darwen Council said Witton Park Arena was back open but advised anyone visiting the Easter funfair to use the Pleasington entrance and Buncer Lane and walk to the site.

A council spokesperson said: “A three-way traffic control is still in place on Monday along Preston Old Road near the main entrance to Witton Park.

“Delays are likely on this route so drivers are advised to take alternative routes where possible. 

“If you are visiting Witton Park or the funfair, please plan your route and use the Tower Road entrance or the entrance off Buncer Lane.

“Witton Park Arena is open as usual but there is currently no access to the main car park.

Lancashire Telegraph:

“Lancashire Fire and Rescue are still on site at Witton Business Park following the fire at a commercial premises on Saturday.”

On Sunday the council said the building would have to be pulled down due to the amount of damage caused.

The fire service is continuing to investigate the cause of the blaze.