Firefighters tackle house fire in Oldham
11.30am
Firefighters worked through the night to extinguish the fire on Saint Thomas Street North, Oldham.
Aerial inspections of all properties are taking place before a fire investigation begins.
Road closures remain in place and evacuated residents are not yet able to return to their homes.
11pm update
Operations have been scaled back but three fire engines and a turntable ladder remain at the scene.
Fire crews will remain in attendance through the night to make sure there is no further spread of the fire.
Road closures are still in place at this time and all of the residents who have been evacuated as a result of the fire have been offered alternative accommodation by Oldham Council.
Statement from Greater Manchester Police
In a statement, Greater Manchester Police have confirmed a 42-year-old woman sadly died at the scene.
Group Manager for Bolton and Wigan Jean-Pierre Helliwell, officer in charge of the incident, said: “The thoughts and deepest condolences of everyone at Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service are with the family, friends and loved ones. We’re incredibly saddened by the news.
“Our crews remain at the scene at this time and are working extremely hard to extinguish the fire.
“We’re making use of all our available resources to bring the fire under control.
“I’d also like to thank Greater Manchester Police, North West Ambulance Service and our other partner agencies for their continued help.”
You can read the full statement here.
9.30pm update
Firefighters have made good progress in extinguishing the fire and are currently using two hose reels and two breathing apparatus while carrying out dampening down operations.
Primary and secondary searches have been completed in four properties.
Road closures remain in place so please still avoid the area.
8pm update
At shortly after 4pm today (Saturday 24 June), six fire appliances from across Greater Manchester were called to attend a house fire on Saint Thomas Street North, Oldham.
Crews arrived quickly and are using jets, hose reels, breathing apparatus and a turntable ladder to extinguish the fire. The air unit is also in attendance.
Firefighters are working alongside Greater Manchester Police and North West Ambulance Service at the scene.
Article Published: 24/06/2023 19:58 PM