A fire has broken out at a mill in Manchester city centre, less than two days after a blaze destroyed a mill in Rochdale.
Plumes of thick black smoke could be seen across the city on Wednesday as crews battled the fire at the building on Southall Street, which contains household furnishings and is near Strangeways prison.
Greater Manchester fire and rescue service (GMFRS) said part of the four-storey building had collapsed and 10 fire engines had been sent to the scene after the alarm was raised at 4.51am on Wednesday. People are being urged to avoid travelling to the area.
A spokesman said: “The upper floors and roof of the mill containing furniture is well alight. Crews are tackling the blaze from height using two hydraulic platforms and multiple jets. Nearby roads are currently closed so please avoid the area if possible.”
On Monday night a fire ripped through a mill in Rochdale, with families forced to evacuate their homes. Up to 30 homes were evacuated as fire crews fought the blaze. No injuries were reported.
GMFRS said the roof of the building had collapsed inwards. The mill on Greenfield Lane will be demolished owing to the extent of the damage.
Bury and Rochdale magistrates court was opened as a shelter but residents were allowed to return to their homes shortly before 1am on Tuesday and were advised to keep windows and doors closed.
