A supermarket owner watched in horror as a flames tore through his shop.
Abid Ali's livelihood has been all but destroyed.
Firefighters were scrambled to Kashmir Superstore, on Kershaw Street in Bury, in the early hours of Thursday.
The fire was brought under control by morning rush hour.
It is understood the fire was caused by cardboard being lit.
Abid, 38, rushed to his shop after receiving a call shortly after 5am.
He said: "We think it was caused from cardboard at the back.
“It was shocking. We have all the stock for Ramadan, it’s quite bad inside. It’s a big shock, it’s upsetting.
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“I’ve owned the business for four years. There was smoke coming from the building, slowly firefighters took control.
“The firefighters have done a good job.”
Images and videos shared by neighbour Louise Murray show orange flames taking hold of the building.
A large cloud of smoke could be seen billowing from the former church.
Commuters and residents were urged to keep their car and house windows shut.
Rochdale Road was shut in both directions, between Heywood Street and Albert Street, while firefighters tackled the blaze.
The road has since re-opened and traffic is flowing as usual.
Salvation Army volunteers were also at the scene handing out drinks and food to firefighters.
Greater Manchester Police and the fire service have launched a joint investigation into what caused the blaze.
Station manager Adrian Taylor said: "When the crews arrived there was a quantity of cardboard on fire and the fire had taken hold. It went through a vent in the side which then involved the ground and first floor.
“Crews entered the front and rear, they were confronted by hot temperatures and cramped conditions due to high fire loading because of stock.
“Police and fire are launching a joint investigation into the cause of the fire. The crews have stopped the fire spreading in arduous conditions.
“At its height we had seven fire appliances and one aerial appliance."
