Properties were evacuated after a fire involving a van in Heywood.
Firefighters rushed to Brierley Street after a blaze in a van which contained gas cylinders.
The fire has been brought under control and fire crews remain on the scene.
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Police said properties were being evacuated and they asked people to avoid the area.
No-one was hurt.
Officers were called after 5pm today, with nearby Bradshaw Street also being closed.
A spokesperson for Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS) said: "At approximately 5pm on Tuesday 5th October, two fire engines from Heywood and Bury fire stations attended an incident on Brierley Steet, Heywood involving a transit van containing acetylene cylinders.
"Crews arrived quickly and utilised one ground monitor, one breathing apparatus and other specialist equipment to secure the scene. Crews remain on the scene.”
Officers on the GMP Rochdale Facebook page said: "We're advising drivers to avoid #Heywood centre following a report of a van containing canisters on fire on Brierley Street just after 5.20pm today.
"Properties are being evacuated and a cordon is in place whilst colleagues from @Manchesterfire put out the flames.
"Brierley Street and Bradshaw Street are currently closed."
