Firefighters have begun a second day dealing with a major fire at a Bury landfill site.
Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service declared a major incident at Pilsworth South landfill site at 5.40am on Monday morning (April 26), having started tackling the fire just after midnight.
Pilsworth Road remains closed between junction 3 of the M66 and Moss Hall Road, in Heywood, while crews continue to work on the site.
Dave Russel, chief fire officer at Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS), has moved to reassure residents that they can go about their business safely.
He told reporters: "We are dealing with the incident - the incident is under control.
"It's not going to get any bigger, it will only get better in terms of the conditions going forward.
"People are fine to go about their business. Keep windows and doors shut - that's all I would advise."
Mr Russel confirmed on Monday that the status of major incident will be kept under review, but firefighters are set to remain at the site throughout this week.
Firefighters from 10 stations were sent out to deal with the blaze yesterday morning, with around 40 firefighters continuing to work throughout the afternoon.
A heavy plume of smoke billowed over Bury and Heywood - although this partially subsided later on Monday.
Four fire engines remained in attendance overnight to continue damping down hotspots.
Earlier in the day, an area of waste around the size of a football pitch had been burning, GMFRS said.
Mr Russel added: "It's a significant challenge. What you've got is a large quarry, which is almost cavernous in shape.
"It's a very difficult route up to the quarry itself and the level below where you're stood is where the material is burning - a very vast expanse as far as the eye can see.
"It is largely shredded material - foam, rubber and plastic - which is well alight."
Residents are advised to avoid the area while the road closure remains in place.
