Huge fire destroys three mills in Ashton-under-Lyne

Firefighters have spent the night trying to contain a large fire which has destroyed three mill buildings in Greater Manchester.

The buildings, which are on Oxford Street East in Ashton-under-Lyne, were home to a number of small local businesses.

All three have partially collapsed.

Credit: GMFRS

75 firefighters were called in to try to stop the fire spreading, using water from the Ashton canal.

People living on the nearby Gibson Terrace were evacuated "as a precaution".

A number of homes have been evacuated. Credit: GMFRS

Other residents have been advised to close their doors and windows - with electricity cut to 50 local homes.

Paul Etches, area manager for the fire service, said: “Crews continue to work exceptionally hard to bring this major fire under control."

People with asthma and other respiratory conditions may be particularly susceptible to the smoke. Credit: GMFRS
Credit: GMFRS

Road closures:

  • Stockport Road

  • A6017 between Guide Bridge railway station and St Peter’s Church

Plumes of black smoke were sent into the sky. Credit: GMFRS

Firefighters say it's too soon to establish the cause of the blaze.