Yahoo News Search dogs at site of Preston fire as police launch probe into cause of huge blaze
Detectives are probing the cause of a huge fire in Preston - while search dogs have also been deployed on the site.
Fire crews will remain in attendance at the derelict building in Church Street throughout the day - while a thermal imaging camera is also being deployed to monitor the site for hotspots. It is unknown if anyone was in the building at the time of the fire.
The cause of the blaze, which broke out yesterday evening remains a mystery, the Fire Service said in a statement. One road in Preston remains closed this morning following a huge fire last night in the city. Preston Police said all roads have now been re-opened "apart from Shepherd Street" which remains closed.
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LancsLive reported last night that firefighters were battling a blaze in Preston. A building caught fire in Church Street and people were told to keep windows and doors closed. The fire was first reported at 6.18pm, with people sharing images online of a huge fire, with black smoke billowing into the night sky.
There were several road closures in place - including Church Street (between Lancaster Road and Manchester Road), Manchester Road (between Church Street and Shepherd Street) and Shepherd Street up to Rose Street.
Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service said: "At 6.18pm on November 12, 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 will remain in attendance throughout the day. The cause of the fire is yet to be established."
A police spokesman added: "At 6.31pm yesterday (November 12) 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 November 12."
