Major fire at pub closes road in Darwen (From Blackburn Citizen)

Major fire at pub closes road in Darwen

8:27am Wednesday 21st November 2012 in News By Vanessa Cornall, Crime reporter

More than 40 firefighters have been brought in to tackle a major blaze in Darwen this morning.

Lancashire Fire and Rescue Services received calls about a fire at Frankie’s bar in the town centre around 1.30am today.

When crews arrived the flames had broken through the roof of the Church Street building, which was formerly used as a bingo hall.

Six fire engines and an aerial ladder platform attended the incident, which saw road closures put in place.

Police said early evidence points to the blaze not being treated as suspicious.

The 30m by 20m building has been severely damaged by fire.

One fire pump and an aerial ladder platform remain at the scene this morning to make sure all pockets of fire are extinguished.

A building inspector from Blackburn with Darwen Council is also expected to survey the scene today.

A police officer has been posted at the scene until the origin of the fire is discovered.

Church Street will remain closed until the building survey has been carried out and the building boarded up.