DOWNLOAD OUR FIRE SAFETY ALERT FOR FARMS AND ESTATES
Six fire engines attended the site of a significant farm building fire in Samlesbury that broke out early on 31 July 2024.
Crews from various locations were dispatched just before 6am to Church House Farm on Potter Lane, Samlesbury.
In the cluster of buildings near the A59, a large structure at the back, farthest from the road, was observed with smoke pouring out.
Brockholes Nature Reserve, located opposite the farm across the River Ribble, was closed while crews used river water to pump into their engines.
Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service group manager Liam Wilson stated: “This morning, we responded to an incident at Church House Farm in Samlesbury. Initially, ten pumping appliances, two aerial ladder platforms, and a high-volume pump were deployed.
“We have been working continuously to extinguish the fire and minimise its impact on the local community. The A59 road closure, where we have a high-volume pump at Brockholes Nature Reserve, is a key concern. We aim to minimise this disruption with our partners.
“We are making good progress and plan to reduce the number of pumping appliances to six, while keeping two aerial ladder platforms operational.
“Firefighting efforts continued throughout the day.
Traffic was slow in the area all morning due to the closure of one lane on the A59 eastbound and the slip road from the M6 at J31. Police advised drivers to avoid the area due to the road closures.
From a distance, damaged corrugated metal walls on the barn were visible while fire crews continued their work. A command unit was also present to coordinate the firefighting effort.
An earlier fire service statement said: “At 5.54am on July 31, ten fire engines from Preston, Bamber Bridge, Blackburn, Leyland, Chorley, Darwen, Nelson, and Penwortham, as well as aerial ladder platforms from Preston and Hyndburn and other specialist units, attended a commercial building fire on Preston New Road, Samlesbury.
“If you can see or smell smoke, please keep your windows and doors closed. Please avoid the area.
“Our drone team is also present. Please do not fly drones as they will interfere with emergency operations.”
Drone footage from the response units showed the damaged building from the air.
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Fire Prevention on Farms and Estates
- Regularly inspect and maintain electrical systems to prevent faults.
- Store flammable materials, such as hay and fuel, in separate, well-ventilated areas.
- Install and maintain firebreaks around the property.
- Equip buildings with fire extinguishers and ensure they are accessible.
- Train staff and family members on fire safety procedures and emergency response.
- Keep firefighting equipment, such as hoses and water tanks, in good working order.
- Implement a no-smoking policy in and around barns and storage areas.
- Ensure proper disposal of oily rags and other combustible waste.
- Regularly clean and maintain machinery to prevent overheating and sparks.
- Develop and practice a comprehensive fire emergency plan for all residents and workers.
