Incident on Meadow Street in Great Harwood

Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service has been at a site on Meadow Street in Great Harwood overnight, as part of a multi-agency approach to fires burning on site.  The smoke has been impacting the local community since the evening of 4 November, but access to the site was previously being restricted.  Four fire engines have been in attendance throughout the night, extinguishing a number of tonnes of commercial waste.  They continue to remain in attendance, supported by colleagues from the Police.

Update on 7 November 2024 - On Monday evening, Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service was notified about a waste fire on Meadow Street, Great Harwood. 

Smoke was having an impact to the local community but access to the site had been restricted by a large HGV parked across a gate.

A tactical plan to gain access was established on Tuesday and during the evening, both police officers and firefighters gained access to the site.

As police officers left their vehicles on arrival, a number of fireworks were launched towards them. Thankfully, no one was injured.

Three men, two aged 19 and one aged 21, all from Great Harwood, were arrested on suspicion of affray.

On Tuesday and Wednesday, four fire engines were in attendance damping down the flames and smoke involving tonnes of commercial waste.

We understand the concerns and the impact on local residents and would like to reassure you that we are continuing to monitor the site and work as a partnership.

What can you do? 

If you can smell or see smoke in the proximity, please keep your windows and doors closed. 

If smoke/a fire is causing a pollution concern, but there is not a threat to life or property, you can report this directly at Hyndburn Borough Council via this online form.

If there is an immediate risk to property or life due to fire please call 999 and ask for the fire service.