More than 40 homes have been evacuated and a cordon is in place after a large fire broke out near a Tesco superstore in Saddleworth, Oldham, on Sunday morning. Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS) said the blaze spread in an industrial building on Chew Valley Road, Greenfield, and has prompted fears of toxic fumes.
Firefighters tackle blaze near supermarket
Fire crews were called just after 7.45am on Sunday 16 August to reports of a fire at an industrial building. Ten fire engines and a number of specialist appliances from across Greater Manchester are in attendance, with firefighters working to bring the fire under control.
Nearby businesses and homes have been cordoned off, and residential roads are closed. A spokesperson for GMFRS said: 'Just after 7.45am on Sunday 16 August, fire crews were called to reports of a fire at an industrial building on Chew Valley Road, Greenfield. Ten fire engines and a number of specialist appliances from across Greater Manchester are now in attendance, with firefighters working hard to bring the fire under control. Due to the amount of smoke, nearby residents are advised to keep their windows and doors closed. A cordon is in place and people should avoid the area if possible.'
Wildfire risk across England and Wales
The incident comes as Saddleworth Moor has been gripped by several wildfires this summer. The latest one struck on Wednesday night near Holmfirth Road, where crews stayed for more than 24 hours to contain and dampen out the fire.
England and Wales are under a wildfire risk warning after weeks of dry conditions and destructive blazes across the country. July was the driest on record with very little rain, back-to-back heatwaves and sunshine. Millions of people received a rare government emergency alert directly to their phones after a spate of fires last week. The notification, which arrived with a loud alarm, warned against lighting anything that could lead to a wildfire like barbeques, campfires and fireworks.
Recent destructive fires in West Midlands
In Stourbridge, West Midlands, families fled their homes after a fire engulfed several homes within seconds. Nineteen homes on five streets were completely gutted in the blaze as people ran for their lives. Mum Rose-Anne Vinten ran through her garden with flames nearing her on Thursday after the flames ripped through the neighbourhood. CCTV footage captured how quickly the inferno spread through the gardens and properties.
Authorities continue to urge residents in affected areas to follow safety advice and avoid the vicinity of the fire. The cause of the Saddleworth fire is not yet known, and investigations are expected to follow once the blaze is under control.
