Residents are evacuated and the M67 motorway closed as fire tears through three-storey warehouse units sending plume of acrid smoke into the skies over Manchester
- The huge fire has broken out at a three-storey warehouse in Denton, Manchester
- More than 120 firefighters were called to scene to tackle the blaze this afternoon
- As a precaution, evacuation procedure was put in place for those in the vicinity
- Members of the public have been asked to avoid the area for their own safety
A major incident has been declared after a large-scale fire broke out at a three-storey warehouse in Manchester.
Around 125 firefighters were sent to tackle the blaze in Holland Street, Denton, on Sunday afternoon.
Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS) said the incident had caused a large plume of smoke which was affecting the M67 motorway and the local community.
Authorities have declared a major incident after a huge fire has broken out at a three-storey warehouse in Denton, Manchester, where about 125 firefighters were sent to tackle the blaze
Dramatic pictures from the scene show huge plume of thick black smoke billowing into the air
At least 25 fire appliances were at the scene with firefighters using aerial ladder platforms
Evacuation procedures were also in place locally, the GMFRS said.
It said the fire had originated in the warehouse building and had spread to adjoining units.
Some 25 fire appliances were at the scene, with firefighters deploying ground monitor jets to pump water on to the blaze as well as using three aerial appliances to tackle it from above.
The M67 motorway was closed between junctions one and two, with motorists urged to take extra care and residents reminded to keep their doors and windows closed.
Members of the public were also asked to avoid the area.
Photos shared on social media showed a large dark cloud of smoke rising into the sky above nearby homes, businesses and the motorway, with the plume also visible from some distance away.
Members of the public were asked to avoid the area and keep their windows closed
The thick, black smoke meant a stretch of the M67 motorway had to be closed
GMFRS area manager Stewart Forshaw, who is in charge of the incident, said: ‘Around 125 firefighters are working incredibly hard to bring this incident under control.
‘The first crews on scene were met with a well-developed fire and more support was quickly mobilised to deal with the blaze.
‘The incident is causing a large smoke plume that is affecting the local community and can be seen across the county.
‘I would ask those who are affected by the smoke to keep their doors and windows closed and to avoid the area.
‘Smoke is also affecting the M67 motorway and it is closed between junctions one and two. If you are travelling, please take extra care.
‘It is likely our firefighters will be here throughout the evening and into tomorrow as we continue to deal with this incident.’
As a precaution, an evacuation procedure was put in place for those in the vicinity
The fire broke out at about 1.15pm and Greater Manchester Police declared a major incident
Greater Manchester Police (GMP), who declared the major incident, said officers were called to reports of a large-scale fire at around 1.15pm.
Superintendent Natalie Dixon said: ‘We currently have an evacuation procedure in place to ensure all those in the vicinity of the fire are kept safe.
‘All those required to evacuate will be contacted by police and we ask that no one leaves their house unless otherwise instructed.
‘We are urging all those in the local area to keep their doors and windows closed to ensure they are better protected from any smoke inhalation.
‘We are also asking the public to avoid the area where possible.’