More than 100 firefighters are currently tackling a huge fire which has forced residents to be evacuated and trains to stop running.
The blaze broke out at an industrial unit in Albert Royds Street, Rochdale, just after 1.10am on Thursday morning and 12 fire engines were sent to the scene.
People living in three homes located nearby to the unit have been evacuated as fire crews work to protect the neighbouring properties.
A railway line close to the blaze has also been shut and is affecting train services running between Todmorden and Rochdale.
The fire is causing large clouds of smoke to billow over the surrounding area, with residents advised to keep doors and windows closed.
Fire engines, aerial appliances and specialist rescue units remain at the scene.
The 100m unit is fully engulfed in flames and firefighters wearing breathing equipment are tackling the blaze using jets.
Area manager 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.
"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 is closed in both directions and it is anticipated it will remain closed throughout the day.
We have a reporter and a photographer on the scene and will bring you the latest on this developing story...
Key Events
Latest statement from fire service
Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service have just released this statement:
A number of fire engines and specialist appliances remain at the scene of an industrial unit fire in Rochdale, eight hours after they were first called.
“Crews have worked incredibly hard to bring the fire under control and protect neighbouring properties.
“Colleagues from Lanacashire Fire and Rescue Service also provided assistance with ‘the stinger’ a specialist aerial appliance that penetrates structures from above to put water straight on the fire.
“Area Manager Ben Levy paid tribute to the firefighters who have worked since the early hours saying: ‘Crews have worked tirelessly to bring the fire under control. They worked quickly and efficiently to protect neighbouring properties because when we arrived there was a very real and immediate risk that the fire could spread to nearby houses.
“‘Thankfully, the actions of our firefighters meant that was not the case.’”
The public are still reminded to keep doors and windows closed if there is any visible smoke and to avoid the Albert Royds Street area as the road remains closed and will do well into the afternoon.
Twelve fire engines remain at the scene
The latest image from the scene from the fire service:
Images show the building damaged by the blaze.
Schools and nursery closed due to smoke
Fire service drone
This is the scene at the moment. The fire service are using a drone to view the fire from above.
Railway closed for 'safety reasons'
Witness: "I was woken by a large explosion"
Residents in the area say they were woken by a loud bang in the early hours of the morning, one eyewitness said:
I was woken by a large explosion. I can see a huge tower of thick black smoke and can hear other smaller bangs and pops, I think it’s around the milnrow area.”
Keep doors and windows shut
Residents are being advised to keep doors and windows shut due to this smoke plume -
Four schools and nursery closed
Four primary schools and a private nursery are shut as a result of the blaze.
The following schools are closed:
- Belfield Community School
- Hamer Community Primary
- Springside School
- Brownhill Learning Community
- Appletree Nursery
Heavy traffic due to road closures
Albert Royds Street is shut in both directions between Milnrow Road and Samson Street.
There is also a closure between Kingsway retail park and the railway bridge.
The fire service has said the road is likely to remain closed throughout the morning and possibly may not re-open until the afternoon.
Latest advice from Northern over train disruption
Due to a line-side fire between Rochdale and Todmorden it is unsafe to run trains along this route.
There will therefore be no services between these stations until at least 09:00, disupting services between Manchester Victoria and Leeds.
Train services from Leeds will terminate at Todmorden. Train services from Manchester Victoria will terminate at Rochdale.
Where we can run trains shuttle services are being set up as follows:
- Manchester Victoria-Rochdale in both directions – Half hourly shuttles
- Leeds-Todmorden in both directions.
- We are also setting up buses to run between Rochdale and Todmorden.
- Blackpool North services are unaffected.
Northern customers’ tickets will be accepted on other services as follows:
- Metrolink - Manchester to Rochdale.
- First TransPennine Express - Manchester to Leeds.
Thick cloud of smoke
M.E.N reporter Charlotte Dobson is now at the scene of the blaze.
Video footage shows fire crews still working hard at the scene and a thick cloud of smoke billowing from the building.
Advice for train commuters
All rail services running between Rochdale and Todmorden are currently blocked due to the fire
A replacement bus service has been set up for passengers travelling between the two stations.
Passengers can also use train tickets on the Transpennine Express and Metrolink services.
Train services from Leeds are terminating at Todmorden and train services from Manchester Victoria will terminate at Rochdale.
Services between Blackburn and Manchester, via Rochdale, are completely suspended.
Close to residential properties
Firefighters have tweeted this picture, which shows the situation they are dealing with and how close the fire is to residential properties.
Water pressure affected
Residents in the surrounding area are being warned water pressure could be affected due to fire crews pumping more than 10,000 litres per minute.
A spokesman for United Utilities said: “You may have noticed that the water is coming out of your tap slower than usual or may have gone off altogether. “This is due to the fire service using the supply to fight a large fire on Albert Royds Street Rochdale.
“We’re sorry for any inconvenience caused and thank you for your patience whilst this incident is ongoing.”
