Firefighters were called to the premises of Veolia Cleanaway after reports that chemical drums were exploding.

The unit backs on to the M6 which was closed between junctions 31 and 32, Lancashire Police said. The motorway was reopened again shortly before 10am.

Police said they were alerted to the incident at the Red Scar Industrial Estate in Ribbleton, Preston, at 6.15am.

A spokeswoman said it was believed that a number of chemical drums had exploded at the site.

She added that people living nearby were advised to stay indoors and keep their windows closed until further notice.

Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service sent 10 pumps to the scene.

A fire service spokeswoman said: "Approximately 62,000 litres of flammable waste liquid was burning."

A Lancashire Police spokesman said the fire was now under control and both carriageways of the M6 between junctions 31 and 32 had reopened.