INDUSTRIAL FIRES FORCE BLACKBURN BUSINESSES TO REBUILD
In a span of only four months, Blackburn has witnessed two devastating industrial fires, shedding light on the diverse impact such incidents can have on different businesses in the area. Neither of the affected buildings was equipped with sprinkler systems, intensifying the challenges faced by firefighters and leaving long lasting repercussions for the businesses, their employees, the supply chain and their customers.
The most recent of these fires occurred on the evening of September 11th, when a fierce blaze broke out at the Vape Dinner Lady facility, a prominent e-liquid manufacturing operation located on Shadsworth Business Park, close to Haslingden Road. The incident began at approximately 8pm, with thick plumes of smoke billowing into the night sky and visible from miles away.
Responding to the emergency, 10 fire engines from the Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service struggled to control the fire that threatened to engulf the entire production facility. The firefighting operation reached its peak as firefighters utilised an aerial ladder platform to combat the flames. The situation was further complicated as fire crews needed to protect flammable materials in adjoining yards, heightening the risk of a more widespread disaster. Despite their efforts, the unsprinklered building was entirely destroyed and will require demolition.
In response to the devastating incident, the owners of Vape Dinner Lady announced they would strive to continue their business activities as normal using alternative sites. They announced the temporary closure of their online store. The impact of the fire on this company's future prospects and its employees is profound, as the loss of the facility represents a severe setback.
This incident follows another major industrial fire in Blackburn on May 6th at the B&M Home Store. The fire, which broke out in the roof area of the large building in the Lower Audley Street retail park, necessitated an extensive firefighting response. At its height, 10 fire engines and two aerial ladder platforms were deployed to tackle the blaze. The thick smoke billowing from the scene was visible throughout Blackburn.
The store was part of a commercial building measuring approximately 4000m2 and was refurbished in 2021. A significant portion of the structure was affected by the fire, particularly the mansard roof across the rear of the building. The store remains closed, some five months after the fire. The incident at the B&M store served as a stark reminder of the potential consequences of fire incidents in commercial settings.
These two fires in Blackburn highlight the crucial need for businesses to consider the impact of fire. This means evaluating the benefits of fire safety measures not just their costs, including the installation of automatic sprinkler systems, to mitigate the risks and protect not only their properties and businesses but also the livelihoods of their employees and the stability of their supply chains.
Image Credit: Lancashire Fire & Rescue Service