Rochdale mill fire: HUGE blaze forces evacuation as ROARING plumes of smoke engulf town
DOZENS of families have been forced from their homes following an enormous fire which broke out at a mill in Greater Manchester on Greenfield Lane in Rochdale on Monday night.
Manchester: Huge blaze engulfs mill in Rochdale
More than 50 firefighters were called to tackle the inferno, which reportedly affected roughly 30 homes from which residents were evacuated as crews battled to control the blaze.
Bury and Rochdale Magistrates’ Court has been opened as a shelter.
There are no reported injuries.
The fire service said crews were called to the scene just before 10.35pm on Monday.
A fire service spokesman said: “Crews are using handheld jets to control the blaze and are also tackling the fire from height using a hydraulic platform.
“Firefighters are working hard to stop fire spread and protect nearby buildings.
“If you live locally, please ensure windows and doors are closed and avoid the area.”
One witness said: “Just seen at least six fire engines heading for the M60 near the Oldham/Rochdale junction.”
Another added: “Thought it was fireworks at first.”
Flames and smoke can be seen from far away as horrified onlookers described hearing “pops” and “bangs” as ash clouds billowed in the sky.
Saqib Raja, who lives a few streets away from Greenfield Street, told the Manchester Evening News: “It’s a factory near to some houses.
������������ We are making good progress at the mill fire in Rochdale and are scaling down to five fire engines.
— Manchester Fire (@manchesterfire) August 14, 2018
������������ Nearby evacuated residents have also been let back into their homes.
Brilliant work by our crews and partners ������������.
������ More info - https://t.co/tKxXncUL5j pic.twitter.com/qs6MZpQLK2
“At the back of the factory is an Iceland supermarket.
“I saw four fire engines go past. Then three police vans and an ambulance, then more fire engines.
“The fire is still going on.”
Meanwhile, Greater Manchester Fire Service tweeted: “We are making good progress at the mill fire in Rochdale and are scaling down to five fire engines.
“Nearby evacuated residents have also been let back into their homes.
“Brilliant work by our crews and partners.”