Firefighters are tackling a blaze at an industrial unit in Manchester, with police closing major roads around the area.
Multiple fire crews rushed to the scene of a fire at a factory unit on Clarence Avenue in Trafford Park just after 1.25pm on Friday. Fire engines from Stretford, Eccles and Manchester Central were among the first to the scene with Greater Manchester Police and the North West Ambulance Service also in attendance.
The fire involved part of a factory building, with reports that chemicals and oil drums were stored nearby, the fire service said.
Jets were deployed to fight the flames and firefighters mobilised additional engines, specialist equipment and an aerial appliance were also mobilised. Members of the Hazardous Area Response Teams (HART) were deployed to tackle the blaze.
The blaze could be seen from as far away as Lancashire and Snowdon as footage on social media showed thick black plumes of smoke pouring from the industrial park. The source of the fire remains unknown.
Eyewitnesses working close to the scene of the fire told the Manchester Evening News that they heard two “loud bangs”, alerting them to the incident.
They then came outside to see 'smoke everywhere'.
Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Services (GMFRS) attending the fire have asked people in the surrounding area to keep windows and doors shut and avoid the location while emergency services work at the scene.
A spokesperson said: “Just after 1.25pm on Friday 24 April, fire crews were called to reports of a large fire at an industrial premises on Clarence Avenue in Trafford Park.
“Fire engines from Stretford, Eccles and Manchester Central were among the first to attend the scene, where firefighters found a significant fire involving part of a factory building, with reports that chemicals and oil drums were stored nearby.
“Crews quickly deployed jets to fight the fire, while additional fire engines, specialist equipment and an aerial appliance were also mobilised,” they added.
“Firefighters continue to work closely with Greater Manchester Police, North West Ambulance Service, and Hazardous Area Response Teams (HART) to manage the incident safely.
“Members of the public are advised to avoid the area while crews continue to tackle the fire and make the scene safe.”
Greater Manchester Police said they were supporting GMFRS as part of the operation.
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