Cause of Church Street fire under investigation

The scene at Church Street on 12 November. Credit: Blog Preston

The cause of a fire that lit up the Preston skyline is now under investigation, police have confirmed.

Fire crews battled through the night to bring a fire at a derelict building on Church Street under control after initially being called at 6.18pm yesterday (12 November).

Police were also in attendance managing and establishing a cordon and a number of road closures – most of which have now been lifted.

The cause of the fire is now under investigation by both Lancashire Constabulary and Lancashire Fire & Rescue Service. Search dogs are in attendance today (13 November).

A spokesperson for police said: “At 6:31pm yesterday (12 November) we were called to reports of a fire in a derelict building on Church Street, Preston.

“Our officers and Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service attended, with a cordon put in place.

“A joint investigation is underway between the police and Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service to establish the cause of the fire.

“If you have any information that could help us in our enquiries please call 101 quoting log 1197 of 12th November.”

A spokesperson for Lancashire Fire & Rescue Service said: “At 18:18 on 12 November 2024, four fire engines from Preston, Bamber Bridge and Blackpool, along with two aerial ladder platforms, the stinger, and the drone were called to a derelict building fire on Church Street, Preston.

“Firefighters used two jets. The stinger was being used to continue to damp down hot spots. Firefighters used the aerial ladder platform and a thermal imaging camera to further monitor the fire, and at this time, no further hotspots have been found.

“The search dogs will be attending shortly. Crews remain in attendance.”

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