VIDEO: Huge textiles warehouse goes up in flames in Rochdale
The fire on Albert Royds Street broke out at 1.10am
Last updated 8th Feb 2018
Dozens of fire fighters from across Greater Manchester and Lancashire remain at the scene of a massive blaze at an industrial unit in Rochdale.
The fire broke out at the textiles warehouse on Albert Royds Street just after 1.10am on Thursday and a number of homes close to the building have been evacuated.
The fire at the unit, which measures over 100 metres, is now under control but Albert Royds Street remains closed and will remain shut throughout the day. A nearby railway line is also affected between Todmorden and Rochdale.
Area Manager Ben Levy from the fire service told us: "The fire was so significant and so severe when we arrived that we didn't actually send anyone inside the building because it was so dangerous and unpredictable.
"Nobody was trapped inside the building so we've been fighting it from the outside because it wasn't safe to go in.
"The safety of the community is paramount and we apologise for any disruption caused.
"We've got a major thoroughfare closed and a major rail line closed which runs next to the site. That's because of the hazards of the site - mainly the smoke. They will remain closed until we've been able to clean up the area."
The community pulled together to help the people affected and the massive amounts of firefighters involved in tackling the fire.
Rochdale Council also says as a result of the blaze FOUR schools will be closed for the day:
- Belfield Community School
- Springside School
- Hamer Primary School
- Brown Hill Learning Community
A large amount of smoke can be seen in the sky above Rochdale and local people are being advised to keep doors and windows closed.
You may also find that your water pressure is affected if you live in the area.
It's expected that firefighters will remain at the scene through the day.