Emergency services tackle factory fire
A HUGE plume of smoke could be seen above the skies of Rochdale following a fire at an industrial unit.
A number of explosions were also heard during the blaze on Moss Bridge Road yesterday.
At its height, about 40 firefighters were tackling the blaze, which broke out in the yard of a mouldings firm at around noon and was said to involve a ‘large quantity of plastic’.
The thick black smoke could be seen for miles around.
Video and pictures taken at the scene showed flames shooting above the rooftops of surrounding homes.
A resident of nearby James Butterworth Street, who asked not to be named, told the M.E.N.: “My kitchen window is about 200 yards away from the fire.
“There’s been quite a few explosions and there’s a lot of thick black smoke everywhere. It smells like burning plastic. I’ve had to come inside and shut all my windows.
“There’s no ambulances here so thankfully it doesn’t look like anybody has been hurt.”
No homes were evacuated and there were no reported injuries, but residents in the area were advised by the fire service to keep doors and windows closed.
At about 1pm the fire service reported the blaze was under control.
Paul Fearnhead, group manager at Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service, later tweeted: “Great work this afternoon by @ manchester fire crews to stop a large fire spreading to two buildings.
“Crews from eight fire engines worked extremely hard in the heat yet again showing their courageous actions to keep the community safe. Well done to all.”