More than 100 Firefighters Battle Massive Blaze in Rochdale Town Centre
Last night, Rochdale town centre was engulfed in chaos as a significant fire broke out in a prominent commercial building, drawing more than 100 firefighters to the scene. The blaze, which started around 9 PM, caused extensive damage and prompted an immediate evacuation of nearby premises.
The Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS) deployed over 20 fire engines and other specialist equipment to tackle the inferno, which raged for several hours. Thick plumes of smoke could be seen billowing across the night sky, visible from miles around. Residents were advised to stay indoors and keep their windows shut due to concerns about air quality.
The fire reportedly started in a historic building on Drake Street, housing several businesses and offices. Eyewitnesses described seeing flames rapidly spreading through the upper floors, with the roof eventually collapsing under the intensity of the heat.
Deputy Chief Fire Officer Ben Levy commended the swift response of his team: “This was a challenging incident due to the scale and complexity of the fire. Our firefighters worked tirelessly to bring it under control and prevent it from spreading to adjacent buildings.”
Specialist aerial appliances were used to douse the flames from above, while firefighters in breathing apparatus tackled hotspots from inside the structure. The operation continued into the early hours, with crews remaining on-site to monitor the situation and dampen down residual fires.
The blaze caused significant disruption to Rochdale’s town centre, with several roads cordoned off and businesses forced to close. Power outages were reported in the surrounding area as emergency services worked to secure the site.
Local residents expressed their shock and concern. Sarah Williams, who lives nearby, said: “It’s heartbreaking to see such a historic part of our town go up in flames. The firefighters did an amazing job, but it’s a real loss for the community.”
No injuries were reported, but authorities have confirmed that investigations are underway to determine the cause of the fire. Early reports suggest it may have started accidentally, but arson has not been ruled out.
As the community wakes up to the aftermath of the disaster, efforts will now turn to assessing the structural integrity of the affected buildings and supporting displaced businesses. Local authorities have promised swift action to aid recovery, with Rochdale Council leader Neil Emmott stating: “We will do everything we can to support those affected and ensure our town centre bounces back stronger.”
The fire serves as a stark reminder of the risks posed to historic urban centres and the importance of fire prevention measures. For now, Rochdale’s community is left to reflect on a dramatic night that brought both devastation and a heroic display of emergency service dedication.
Further updates will follow
as investigations continue.
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