Blasts rock estate as fire hits plastics firm
THIS is the huge plume of smoke caused by a fire at an industrial unit in Rochdale.
A number of explosions were also heard during the blaze on Moss Bridge Road on Thursday afternoon.
At its height about 40 firefighters were tackling the blaze, which broke out in the yard of a mouldings firm at about 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 Observer: “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.
Writing on Twitter Rochdale Fire Team said: “We currently have eight pumps dealing with an incident in Moss Bridge Road, Rochdale.
“A large amount of thick smoke has discharged over the local area. Please keep doors and windows closed and avoid the area.
“Fire in Moss Bridge Road involves a large quantity of plastic in a mouldings yard. Fire has spread to an adjacent building.
“Crew are using covering jets to tackle the fire.”
At about 1pm the fire service reported the blaze was under control.
“We now have an aerial appliance pumping water on to the fire from above in Moss Bridge Road,” Rochdale Fire Team tweeted.
“Crew have managed to bring the fire under control but will remain there throughout the day.
“More great work from our crews.”
Paul Fearnhead, group manager at Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service, later tweeted: “Great work this afternoon by @manchesterfire 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.”