Dramatic photos show the scale of an industrial estate fire that could be seen for miles.
The blaze at Rough Hey Industrial Estate in Preston, Lancashire, sent 200 tonnes of cars and metal up in flames shortly after 1pm on Saturday. Thick black smoke billowed onto the M6 as drivers were advised to take extra caution when driving in the area.
People living in the area were asked to keep their windows and doors shut as the response was stepped up from six to ten fire engines. A total of around 70 firefighters were later sent to the scene to try and bring the blaze under control.
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In an update shortly after 5pm, Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service said: "The fire is now under control and the smoke plume has reduced significantly since the start of the fire.
"Please continue to keep windows and doors closed if you can see or smell the smoke."
Firefighters are set to remain at the scene overnight and the road remains closed at present. In an update just after 9pm, a fire spokesperson said: "The incident has now been reduced to four fire engines overnight. Firefighters will be damping down and we hope to get Longridge Road reopened as soon as we can.
"People in the local area should be able to do open windows and doors without smelling smoke."
