Mill fire, Manchester

11am update: 

Eight fire engines, three hydraulic platforms and two technical response units remain at the scene of the mill fire in Central Manchester.

There is significant damage to the four storey mill and this morning there has been two structural collapses to the building.

Crews will continue to fight the fire from height and the building is expected to be demolished at some point today.

Incident Commander, Group Manager Tony Bryan said: “This is the second large-scale incident that our firefighters have responded to overnight and I cannot thank them enough for their hard work and response at both incidents.

“They have done a fantastic job in protecting neighbouring and adjacent properties and they are working hard to prevent further fire spread. The last 24 hours has been a challenge for our crews but they have done themselves, and the Service proud.

“I would also like to thank all of our partners. As a multi-agency team we have been able minimise disruption to the local area and businesses.

“Following on from our inspections of the building this morning, we anticipated that parts of the building would collapse – which is has so we have ensured that we have the tactical plans in place to ensure the safety of our crews.

“We also have a building inspector on site who has deemed the mill to be unsafe and we expect the mill to be demolished this afternoon. We have made significant progress since this morning and have been able to scale our resources back slightly. I hope that once the building has been demolished, we will be able to target the hard to reach areas and pockets of fire.”

Greater Manchester Police are controlling traffic management and a number of nearby roads remain closed, including; 

- Lord Street at the junction with Southall Street

- Roberts Street at the junction with Canarvon Street

- Brydon Street

- Francis Street

There are also lane closures in place on Bury New Road, but the road remains open. Please avoid the area where possible.

 7.55am update: 

There are currently seven fire engines, three hydraulic platforms and two technical response units at the scene tackling the fire at the mill in Southall Street, Manchester. 

All four floors are well alight with the fire measuring from 35m x 35m. Firefighters are working hard to contain the fire and protect surrounding buildings. Part of the building has collapsed and crews are tackling the blaze from height and using three jets. 

A number of nearby roads are closed so please avoid the area if possible. 

6.30am update:

The upper floors and roof of the mill containing furniture is well alight and approximately measures 50m x 50m.

Crews are tackling the blaze from height using two hydraulic platforms and multiple jets. Part of the building has collapsed.

Nearby roads are currently closed so please avoid the area if possible.

5:45am update:  

At 4.51am Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service were called to a mill fire containing household furnishing in Southall Street, Manchester.

Ten fire engines from Manchester Central, Broughton, Salford, Moss Side, Philips Park, Hyde, Eccles along with the Technical Response Unit from Ashton and Leigh and two hydraulic platforms are currently at the scene.

The fire approximately measures 100m x 100m and is currently on the fourth floor of the four storey building.

Article Published: 19/12/2018 11:42 AM