Mill fire causes more concern for neighbours
8:59am Thursday 9th September 2010 in News
FIREFIGHTERS spent two hours battling a blaze in a partially derelict mill, just hours after many of its windows were blown out in strong winds.
Crews had to break through five doors to reach the pile of burning rubbish at the mill in Tennyson Street, Brownlow Fold.
Fire chiefs have now launched an investigation into the cause of the blaze.
It is believed wood had been deliberately piled up on the fourth floor of the building and set alight.
Andy Hardman, watch manager at Bolton central fire station, said: “We do not know who started the fire but it was deliberate. A load of wood had been piled up and set alight.
“It was quite awkward because it was high up and our access was hampered because the building is unoccupied.
“These nuisance fires take up the resources of the fire service when someone could really need us.”
Police are now waiting for the outcome of the fire investigation before launching their own inquiries. A spokeswoman said: “If the fire was started deliberately, then the police will launch their own investigation.”
People living near the mill on Darley Street are calling for the building to be made safe.
On Tuesday morning, neighbours woke to find the windows on the third and fourth floors of the building had blown out because of the strong winds.
A section of Darley Street had to be closed to allow emergency repair work to be carried out.
One Darley Street resident, who asked not to be named, said: “We had all the windows falling out, then it was set on fire. People are really bothered about it.
“Something needs to be done.”
The building also houses Brownlow Business Centre on the lower floors, which is home to various small businesses.
