Huge blaze at Stockport self-storage warehouse 'being treated as deliberate ignition'

  • Granada
26022022 - Firefighters at Cheadle fire - GMFRS
Over 100 firefighters from GMFRS were called to the commercial fire in Cheadle Credit: GMFRS

A huge fire that ripped through a storage warehouse in Stockport is now being treated as having been started deliberately.It comes as bosses at the facility reveal there has been 'significant destruction of the building and most contents.'

The fire broke out at the Armadillo Self Storage Unit on Earl Road in Cheadle at around 1 am in the early hours of this morning (Saturday). Crews were greeted by a 'significant' and 'well established' fire and its height around 20 fire engines and 130 firefighters were involved in the operation to tackle the flames, which sent plumes of thick black smoke billowing over Cheadle and Handforth.Two major roads, the A555 Manchester Airport Eastern Link Road and A34 Handforth Bypass were both closed as a result.They have since re-opened but Stanley Road, Wilmslow Road, and Earl Road remain closed.

MEN Media

The response was scaled back later this morning, with Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS) saying the fire has now been brought under control.

However, around 10 fire engines remain in attendance, and crews are expected to remain the scene for several hours yet.

A joint police and fire service investigation into the blaze is now underway.

10 fire engines will remain at the scene until the flames are fully extinguished Credit: GMFRS

Greater Manchester Police (GMP) said this afternoon."Police were called around 1.40am on Saturday 26 February 2022 to commercial premises on Earl Road, Cheadle Hulme to a report of a fire" the force said in a statement.

"Emergency services are currently in attendance."Detectives are now treating the fire as a deliberate ignition and an investigation is underway."Anyone with information should contact police on 0161 856 9790 or 101 quoting incident 292 of 26/02/22. Alternatively, details can be passed via our LiveChat at www.gmp.police.uk or via the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111."