Major fire sends smoke billowing into sky as locals urged to keep windows closed

17 June 2023 , 08:23

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A huge fire broke out in Manchester this morning

A huge plume of smoke billowed into the sky over Manchester this morning as firefighters tackled a huge blaze at an industrial estate that was momentarily being used as a church.

Eight fire crews rushed to Clifton Street in Miles Platting at around 3.40am with residents in the area being asked to keep their windows and doors closed.

Hulme Hall Lane was taped off between Oldham Road and Bradford Road while the emergency services tackled the fire.

Aerial pictures from the scene shared by the Manchester Evening News show the extent of the blaze, with smoke billowing out of the buildings.

Emergency services at the scene of the fire (Greater Manchester Fire Service)

A spokesperson for Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS) said: "At around 3.40am on Saturday 17 June, fire crews were called to reports of a fire on Clifton Street, Manchester.

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"Eight fire engines from across Manchester and Salford, including a turntable ladder appliance, quickly attended the incident, which involves two detached industrial buildings.

"Firefighters have made good progress extinguishing the fire and remain at the scene.

The fire broke out at an industrial estate in Manchester (Greater Manchester Fire Service)

"Hulme Hall Lane (A6010) remains closed between Oldham Road (A62) and Bradford Road.

"People are asked to avoid the area where possible."

Smoke could be seen from miles away, residents said, with reports of "an acrid smell" in the air.

Smoke was seen from miles away (MEN)

Currently, the cause of the fire is not known and an investigation is ongoing, according to the MEN.

Just before 10am this morning, the fire service added: "Crews are still at the scene in North Manchester but are now scaling down.

The aftermath of the fire in Manchester (STEVE ALLEN)

"Road closures remain in place so please avoid the area if possible."

GMFRS Station Manager Tom Weate said: "This was a well-seated fire and there are road closures in the area, so I'd ask the public to bear that in mind when travelling around Manchester today."

Thomas George