Flames lit up the night’s sky during the blaze

An investigation is continuing into the cause of a major fire at a recycling plant in Preston.

Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service still has four fire crews and an aerial ladder at the Reycling Lives centre at the Red Scar Industrial Estate.

Firefighters were called out at 9.40pm on Thursday to reports of a fire at the complex.

At its height more than 100 firefighters, including some from Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service, fought the flames.

Aerial platform at the scene

It is expected to take around a week to establish what caused the fire.

The fire service said the fire had strted in a pile of cars, approximately 30 metres by 20 metres, which were ready to be recycled.

Picture from Lancashire Fire and Rescue showing the blaze

CCTV from the industrial estate premises is due to be checked as part of the investigation.

Steve Jackson, CEO of Recycling Lives said: “Thanks to the exceptional work of firefighters and the outstanding health and safety practises at Recycling Lives, the fire was quickly contained and there have been no injuries or damage to machinery. We are incredibly grateful to the firefighters and other emergency services who have helped us to deal with the incident and we will continue to support their operations in any way we can.

“We would also like to extend our thanks to our customers who have been sending messages of support throughout the night and this morning, particularly our neighbours, EH Booths and James Hall.”

A number of roads were closed in the Grimsargh area throughout Friday morning as fire crews continued to contain the fire.

They are expected to remain at the site until late on Friday and into Saturday morning as it continues to smoulder.

The fire service has been inundated with tweets and messages of support from Prestonians as they acted quickly to contain the fire to the Recycling Lives compound.