Neighbours have spoken of their shock after a fire broke out at a Salford menswear store in the early hours of the morning.
Fire crews called to Bury New Road
Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS) were called to reports of a fire at a Marc Darcy on Bury New Road, at around 1.40am on Thursday. Bury New Road was closed for much of the day as crews continued to battle the flames.
A GMFRS spokesperson said: "Eight fire engines from Moss Side, Manchester Central, Salford, Broughton, Philips Park and Blackley fire stations, along with the Scorpion from Salford, a high-volume pump from Cheadle and a turntable ladder from Whitehill fire station, quickly arrived at the scene, where a commercial property measuring approximately 50 metres by 50 metres was well alight."
Firefighters have been working hard to bring the blaze under control, using two jets, the turntable ladder and the Scorpion to tackle the fire. Crews remain in attendance as they continue to work to extinguish the fire and make the area safe. Bury New Road is currently closed by GMP and residents are asked to stay away from the area and keep doors and windows closed.
Residents describe the ordeal
Residents from estates neighbouring the adjacent Bradshaw Street and Appian Way woke up to 'commotion.' Shannon Ward, who had been up and out with family since the fire unfolded, said: "It all started with the big loud bang. Been awake since, cause it sounded like a gunshot."
"I was already awake watching movies, but there were two loud bangs around at about 1 o'clock. It really was loud. I walked down to immediate smoke, and it looked like only a little bit was on fire at first," she added.
Erin, 28, who lives on Centurion Grove overlooking the menswear showroom, was also awake when the fire broke out. "I kept hearing little pops, then commotion. I kept thinking, what's all that noise and why's everyone walking down the street at 2 in the morning?" she recalled.
"I had a nosey to see what's happening, and literally soon as I come out, I see a black cloud of smoke. Put me shoes on, got a better look, and saw that it was the Marc Darcey. I kept coming in and going back out all night."
She described the scene as initially just smoky from where she was standing, with the time reading 2:36am when 'you could see orange bits' before the flames had fully shown. "We were stood at Tim Hortons when it started getting bigger. That was 2 hours after, when the police told everyone to get back. It was scary when the police said to move back. This was the scariest part because there's houses nearby, and a taxi was parked there as well, so if the taxi had caught fire it might have exploded."
There was also a fizzing sound, it looked like electrical sparks, and then all the lampposts were flashing on and off.
Ongoing operation and store response
Rotating crews of fire engines worked through the night and all morning, utilising large hose reels and over-head equipment to bring the fire down. A large stretch of Bury New Road closed during the operation, however adjacent fast food joints such as Tim Hortons remained open, with spectators gathering in the car park to watch the crews at work.
The formal wear shop on 271-291 Bury New Road, Marc Darcy, issued a statement on their website, reading: "Important notice. Due to a fire at our premises, we are temporarily unable to accept any new order. We sincerely apologise for the inconvenience and will reopen ordering as soon as possible. Thank you for your understanding."
The closure remains in place on the road near the junctions with Upper Camp Street and Fenney Street.
