Firefighters have spent hours tackling a huge blaze that tore through an industrial estate early this morning and caused a plume of black smoke to fill the sky.
The inferno broke out in Miles Platting, Manchester, at around 3.40am on Saturday, with residents in the area being asked to keep windows and doors closed. Eight fire crews were deployed to the incident, which saw nearby roads closed off, and remain on the scene.
Aerial pictures shared by the Manchester Evening News show smoke pouring from buildings. Close-up snaps posted online by Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service show the devastation the fire left in its wake, with walls reduced to rubble and metal roof sheets scattered on the ground.
A spokesperson for GMFRS said: “At around 3.40am on Saturday, June 17, fire crews were called to reports of a fire on Clifton Street, Manchester. 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. Hulme Hall Lane (A6010) remains closed between Oldham Road (A62) and Bradford Road. People are asked to avoid the area where possible.”
Residents reported “an acrid smell” in the air with smoke seen from miles away. The cause of the fire is not known and an investigation is ongoing.
Just before 10am today, the fire service added: “Crews are still at the scene in North Manchester but are now scaling down. 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.”
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