A large fire broke out at a historic building in Bury town centre in the early hours of Monday morning. The blaze, which started around 2am, affected the upper storeys of a building on The Rock, near the Church of St Mary the Virgin. Witnesses reported bright orange flames shooting from the rooftop and thick black smoke covering the area.
Four fire engines from Bury, Whitefield, Heywood and Ramsbottom, along with a turntable ladder from Bolton Central, were dispatched to the scene. Firefighters wearing breathing apparatus used hose reels to extinguish the fire, which involved the fifth and sixth floors. Crews remained on site to monitor hotspots and ensure safety.
Witness Tiffany Nield, 18, described the scene to the Manchester Evening News, saying the fire kept reigniting despite firefighters' efforts. She noted that debris fell from the building and firefighters used torches to check windows for any occupants. The road in front of the structure was cordoned off, with police guarding the area.
A Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service spokesperson confirmed the response and ongoing operations. Greater Manchester Police stated there were no suspicious circumstances surrounding the fire. No injuries have been reported.
