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Search for children in mill fire Mill fire brought under control
(about 5 hours later)
More than 50 firefighters are tackling a huge mill fire in Lancashire. More than 50 firefighters have brought a mill fire in Blackburn under control.
They are also searching the area for children, after receiving reports that there were several seen playing by the derelict mill in Blackburn. There was concern that a 60ft (18.3m) tower could collapse due to the amount of water being sprayed on the burning building in Moorgate Street, Mill Hill.
There is concern that a 60ft (18.3m) tower could collapse due to the amount of water being sprayed on the burning building in Moorgate Street, Mill Hill. But by 0215 BST a fire service spokesman said the building was thought to be structurally safe.
A fire spokesman said that 15 homes had to be evacuated and residents have been accommodated at a local sports centre. Crews had searched the area for children after reports that several were seen playing by the derelict mill, but all were accounted for.
He added: "We are checking with local families to ensure that all children in the area have been accounted for. About 15 homes were evacuated and residents were initially accommodated at a sports centre.
"Firefighters have carried out a number of searches and no one seems to have been there when the fire broke out." Incident commander Peter Cogley, of Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service, said the building had been severely damaged.
However he said searches were continuing. He said about 25 firefighters remained at the scene to allow the fire to burn out. Local building control officials were satisfied with the safety of the structure, and there was no imminent danger to the public.
Aerial platforms and eight pumps are being used to douse the flames. The cause of the fire is unknown but an investigation team is at the scene. Mr Cogley said there were no casualties, although one non-firefighting member of the fire service operation had been treated for a minor undisclosed injury.
Moorgate Road and roads nearby have been cordoned off. Aerial platforms and eight pumps were used to douse the flames. The cause of the fire was unknown but an investigation team was at the scene.
Moorgate Road and roads nearby were cordoned off.