Firefighters have issued an 'avoid the area' warning after a blaze broke out near Bury town centre overnight. Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS) released a statement at 2am confirming they were dealing with an inferno on Birch Street, just north of Bury town centre, near the Tesco Extra superstore.
Photographs shared on social media show thick smoke billowing across the sky, leading GMFRS bosses to ask the public to stay away and keep their windows closed. A spokesperson said in the statement: "Firefighters are currently tackling a fire on Birch Street, in Bury. Due to the amount of smoke, residents are advised to keep their windows and doors closed, and avoid the area."
Location and response
Birch Street is home to several residential properties as well as the Bury ambulance station. An industrial estate also appears to be the home to a scrapyard. According to one eyewitness, the fire is 'behind the ambulance station' and another said it was a 'factory fire'. The exact location of the incident has not been confirmed by emergency services at this stage.
It is also not clear how many fire engines and firefighters have been sent to tackle the blaze. It appears firefighters were still at the scene at 5am.
Impact and next steps
The Manchester Evening News has contacted GMFRS, Greater Manchester Police, and the North West Ambulance Service for comment.
