Industrial fire - Westhoughton
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Thursday 11 June
1.50 pm update
Crews left James Street in Westhoughton at around 10:30 am on Thursday morning, having remained at the scene overnight to conduct regular checks of the building and ensure no further outbreaks of fire.
An investigation into the cause of the fire is now underway, and a demolition contractor is expected to arrive later today to remove remaining parts of the roof to enable investigators to continue their work.
Wednesday 10 June
9.00 am update
Three fire engines remain at the scene of a fire at an industrial estate on James Street in Westhoughton.
At its height, 12 fire engines were involved in tackling the blaze. Crews were first called at just after 7.40 pm on Tuesday 9 June.
Station Manager Bob Birtles, in charge at the incident, said: “I want to pay tribute to all the crews who’ve worked throughout the night to keep this fire under control. This was a challenging incident involving a range of single-storey industrial units, with the fire affecting an area measuring approximately 70 metres by 80 metres.
“Three fire engines remain at the scene this morning, damping down and preventing any further spread of the fire. Our firefighters have managed to save around 60 per cent of the building, but unfortunately the remainder has suffered severe damage, and we will be working with demolition and local authority building control to access and tackle the remaining pockets of fire.
“I want to thank colleagues from Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service for their support during the incident, and also Greater Manchester Police and North West Ambulance Service for their assistance managing the scene.
“I also want to thank everyone in the local area for their support and cooperation throughout the night, and I must ask that people continue to avoid the area while crews are at the scene.”
Road closures have now been lifted around the area, but traffic management measures are in place.
Tuesday 9 June
11.05 pm update
Twelve fire engines from across Greater Manchester are currently at the scene of a fire involving a number of single-storey industrial units on James Street, Westhoughton.
Crews have now been in attendance for more than three hours and have worked hard to bring the fire under control using jets, breathing apparatus, an aerial platform, and thermal scanners. They are also being supported by colleagues from Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service.
The smoke plume has now reduced, but local residents should keep all windows and doors closed and stay away from the area while emergency services remain at the scene.
Road closures remain in place, with Church Street currently closed between Wellington Street and Bampton Close.
9.15 pm update
At around 7.40 p.m. on Tuesday 9 June, 10 fire engines from Hindley, Atherton, Farnworth, Horwich, Bolton Central, Bolton North, Rochdale, Wigan and Agecroft fire stations were called to reports of a fire at a commercial garage on James Street, Westhoughton.
Crews were quickly on the scene and are currently the tackling 60-by-60 metre blaze in three sectors, using a high velocity pump, breathing apparatus, and an aerial appliance.
The smoke from the incident can be seen from some distance away, and local residents are advised to avoid the area while crews carry out their work and to keep their windows and doors closed.
09/06/2020 21:18 PM