Firefighters in Manchester have been praised after they brought a huge blaze in an apartment block under control.
Hundreds of post-Christmas shoppers looked on in horror on Saturday afternoon as the blaze took hold of the upper floors of a 12-storey building in the city’s Northern Quarter.
Images posted on social media showed flames engulfing a number of floors and smoke billowing out, leading many to fear the worst.
But a quick response from the emergency services meant everyone escaped alive. Three people were treated for smoke inhalation, two on site and one in hospital, and five people had to be rehoused in a neighbouring hotel.
Greater Manchester fire and rescue said the blaze, which started on the ninth floor, was thought to have spread via external wooden balconies, and no cladding was involved.
It said the eighth floor was damaged by smoke and floors 10 and 11 were affected externally.
The Labour leader, Jeremy Corbyn, praised the emergency services for their swift response. He tweeted: “Thank you to @manchesterfire for their heroic work bringing the blaze in Manchester’s Northern Quarter under control, and to the swift response of @gmpolice and paramedics.”
Greater Manchester police thanked the city for coming together to help. “Can we thank everyone for their patience, cooperation and community spirit after yesterday’s Northern Quarter fire. Further search today, but just 3 treated for smoke inhalation (2 at scene),” tweeted @gmpcitycentre.
Pat Karney, a Labour councillor who lives in the city centre, tweeted: “All of Manchester proud of our emergency services. Solid teamwork into the early hours by cops, fire and council officers made sure all displaced persons accommodated. Well done Team Manchester.”
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