Residents flee as 100 firefighters tackle inferno near Rochdale retail park
MORE than 100 firefighters have spent the night tackling a huge blaze at an industrial unit in Rochdale while people living nearby were forced to flee their homes in the early hours of the morning.
Huge blaze rips through industrial building in Rochdale
Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue said crews are working "tirelessly" to tackle the inferno which started in a large industrial unit at around 1am.
The 100m building was fully engulfed by flames and plumes of thick smoke could be seen for miles around.
People living near the scene of the fire were forced to leave their homes in the early hours while those allowed to stay were warned to keep their doors and windows closed.
Four local primary schools and a private nursery are to remain closed today as a result of the blaze.
Crews were called to Albert Royds Street at about 1.10am on Thursday
Fire service spokesman Ben Levy said: "Crews were met with a very serious fire at the building which is over 100 metres and is still fully involved in fire.
“Our priority now is to protect neighbouring properties.
“Unfortunately there is an awful lot of smoke in the area so I would ask people locally to keep their doors and windows closed."
Firefighters tackle the blaze in Rochdale
He continued: "Albert Royds Street also remains closed and will do for most of the day, along with a nearby railway line.
“We are working with partners to get these open as soon as possible.”
"Albert Royds Street remains closed and it is anticipated that firefighters will remain at the scene through the day so the public are advised to check of any road closures before they travel."
The fire is expected to cause disruption to trains, with National Rail warning that all lines are blocked between Rochdale and Todmorden.
(Additional reporting by Matt Drake)