Funeral service halted after fire breaks out at crematorium

A funeral service had to be halted and the guests evacuated after a fire broke out at a crematorium, fire chiefs have revealed.

Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service said it was called to Pleasington Cemetery and Crematorium on Tower Road, Blackburn, on Thursday June 8 at about 11.30am.

The cremation service for a grandfather had just begun when the congregation noticed flames outside the window and the alarm was raised.

Eight fire engines arrived with smoke seen far and wide around the site. Around 20 to 30 people were thought to be inside the crematorium at the time.

The family was ushered outside for safety before being told the service would have to be rearranged for another day.

Martin Eden, from Blackburn with Darwen council, said the family was being supported and anyone with a service in the coming days would be contacted.

He said he appreciated it was a “highly distressing situation for everyone involved”.

Mr Eden added: “We’re working to establish the extent of the damage and also when the crematorium can reopen.

“We are already updating any families affected through funeral directors and working with the fire service to establish how the fire started, and to make the building safe as soon as possible.”