Firefighters Battle Flames at Oxford Mill in Ashton-under-Lyne

Firefighters Battle Flames at Oxford Mill in Ashton-under-Lyne

 

Firefighters were called to tackle a major blaze at the historic Oxford Mill in Ashton-under-Lyne on Sunday night, as thick smoke and flames engulfed the building. Emergency services rushed to the scene after reports of a fire breaking out in the multi-storey mill, which has long been a landmark in the area.

Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS) dispatched multiple fire engines to the scene shortly after receiving distress calls from local residents. Witnesses reported seeing large plumes of smoke billowing into the sky as flames spread rapidly through the structure.

 

A spokesperson for GMFRS confirmed that crews were using aerial platforms and hose jets to contain the fire and prevent it from spreading to nearby buildings. “We were called to Oxford Mill at approximately 9:00 PM, and several teams have been working tirelessly to bring the fire under control,” the spokesperson said.

 

 

Due to the scale of the fire, nearby residents were advised to keep their windows and doors closed to avoid inhaling potentially harmful smoke. Emergency responders also assisted in evacuating properties close to the mill as a precautionary measure.

 

One resident, Mark Turner, who lives near the site, described the scene as terrifying. “I saw the sky light up orange, and within minutes, smoke was everywhere. The firefighters arrived quickly, but the flames were intense,” he said.

Oxford Mill, a former cotton mill, has been a part of Ashton-under-Lyne’s industrial heritage for over a century. Originally built during the 19th century, the mill played a key role in the town’s textile industry before being repurposed in recent years. The cause of the fire remains unknown, but authorities have launched an investigation to determine whether it was accidental or deliberate.

 

Local historian Jane Reynolds expressed concern about the potential loss of the mill. “It’s devastating to see such an important part of our history go up in flames. These mills tell the story of Ashton-under-Lyne’s industrial past, and losing them is like losing a piece of our identity,” she said.

 

 

Fire crews remained at the scene overnight, working through the early hours of the morning to fully extinguish the flames. The structure sustained significant damage, and safety experts are expected to assess the site once the fire is completely out.

 

Authorities have urged people to avoid the area to allow emergency services to continue their operations safely. Roads surrounding the mill have been temporarily closed, causing traffic disruptions in the town.

 

 

Fire investigators will conduct a thorough examination of the scene once it is deemed safe. The cause of the fire has not yet been determined, but officials have not ruled out the possibility of arson. Greater Manchester Police are expected to assist with the investigation.

 

As the town waits for further updates, the community remains hopeful that the mill’s historic legacy can be preserved despite the fire’s destruction.

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