Statement as firefighters tackle large fire at Middleton commercial storage premises

June 22 - 6pm update

A spokesperson for Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS) said: “Crews remain at the scene in Middleton and have now removed 100% of the roof.

“A turntable ladder is being set up to monitor for any remaining heat sources and to help tackle hotspots.

“Firefighters remain at the scene with damping down continuing in all areas.”

June 21 - 6pm update

A spokesperson for Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS) said: “Firefighting operations remain ongoing at the site in Middleton.

“Crews are continuing to work alongside the demolition company to carefully remove sections of the building’s exterior, allowing improved access to tackle the fire spread.

“Crews remain in attendance.”

At around 4.50pm on Wednesday (June 18) GMFRS were called to a fire involving a commercial storage premises in Middleton.

A number of fire engines from across Greater Manchester and multiple specialist appliances have attended to tackle the fire alongside partner agencies.

Firefighters have been tackling the fire externally due to the danger posed by the contents and structure of the building. However, a decision has now been made alongside partners and the building owners to demolish the building in order to safely extinguish the fire.

Assistant Chief Fire Officer, Barry Moore, said:

“Crews have been working incredibly hard for long hours in tough conditions to contain this complex fire and reduce any risk to the public.

“Due to the nature of the building, and the danger posed by its contents and structure, firefighters have been tackling the fire externally to mitigate any risk to life. The decision has now been taken alongside the building owners and partner agencies to gradually demolish the building so firefighters can safely access and extinguish the fire and bring this incident to a safe conclusion.

“We would like to thank local businesses and residents for their understanding while crews have worked to resolve this incident and express our sympathies to anyone who has lost valuable items in this fire.”

Road closures will remain in place while the demolition takes place, with nearby residents asked to keep their doors and windows closed.

Article Published: 20/06/2025 13:54 PM