Roof of Middleton storage unit COLLAPSES as major fire burns for second day
The roof of a Middleton storage unit which caught fire yesterday has collapsed.
Firefighters rushed to the scene yesterday, with crews swarming the streets outside as foul-smelling smoke seeped between doors. Today the fire is continuing to burn, with firefighters deploying cranes in their efforts to bring it under control.
A cordon was put in place yesterday, and this appears to have now been extended to cover the entire car park around the building.
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Black smoke can be seen belching from upper windows in the building as firefighters deploy in "challenging conditions".
A spokesperson for Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS) said: 'Crews have worked hard overnight to contain the fire at the commercial premises on Old Hall Street, Middleton.
'Six fire engines, the aerial unit and scorpion remain in attendance to tackle pockets of fire and make the building safe in challenging conditions.
"Road closures remain in place with nearby residents advised to keep their doors and windows shut."
A spokesperson for Storage World, the company which runs the unit, said: "Our Middleton store has suffered a serious fire. Authorities are currently in attendance and we will be contacting customers as soon as the situation has settled and we can assess the damage. This will be no later than Friday afternoon.
"Please do not contact us directly but wait for us to communicate with you, as this will allow us to manage the current situation and ensure all customers are given accurate information as soon as possible.
"More information will also be posted here when available. Please do not visit the store as it is cordoned off by the fire services and customers will not be able to access it for some time.
"We appreciate this will be a stressful and distressing situation for our customers. We are doing everything in our power to assist authorities and provide accurate information as soon as possible."
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