Around 30 firefighters from Withington, Whitehill, Stretford, Gorton and Hyde were called to Kingsway in Burnage at 4.14am on Wednesday, May 16.

Station Manager Damian O'Rourke said: "When the first crews arrived, it was clear that a man and a woman had jumped from a first floor bedroom window and that they'd been woken by a smoke alarm sounding.

"We were faced with a very severe fire on the ground floor of a commercial dry cleaners which had spread to a first floor flat above and was burning into the roof space of the property."

A 34-year-old woman and a 38-year-old man were taken to Wythenshawe Hospital by paramedics.

The woman was believed to be suffering from burns to her hands and shoulder as well as cuts to her hands.

The man was more seriously injured and is suffering from 25 percent burns. It's not known what injuries they suffered from jumping from the window.

Station Manager O'Rourke said: "The fire was rapidly spreading and was very intense. Crews were carrying out a search and rescue operation but there was no-one else inside.

"The attic had been converted into a living space but the fire had burnt through the floors making it difficult for our crews to get in and extinguish fire hotspots.

"Because the fire had got into the roof space, properties either side became involved in the fire so we crews called for backup and there were six fire engines at the scene."

Fire investigators are investigating the cause of the fire.

Area Manager Dave Keelan, GMFRS' Head of Prevention Services said: "It is devastating that two people are injured after feeling they had no other option but to jump from their bedroom window.

"Our thoughts are very much with them in hospital as our crews continue to fight the fire at their home this morning.

"It was incredibly fortunate that there was a working smoke alarm in the property which woke the two people up, which without doubt will have given them time to escape.

"We would advise everyone to have an escape plan in case the worst does happen and a fire breaks out at home."

By planning ahead everyone should know what to do in an emergency.

• The normal way out the house is your best escape route so always keep it clear of clutter - think of the difficulties you'll have using this route in pitch darkness or smoke.
• Walk your escape route with the rest of your family or housemates and make sure everyone can open windows and doors easily.
• Always choose a second escape route, in case the first one is blocked.
• Review your escape route regularly to take into account any changes in your home.
• Keep calm and act quickly - tell everyone to get out of your home.
• Before opening a door, check it first by using the back of your hand. If it's warm, don't open it!
• When moving through the home, remember to shut doors behind you to help contain the fire.
• If your clothes catch fire - stop, drop and roll
• If your clothes can fire, don't run around, you will fan the flames and make them burn faster.
• You should only try and escape through a window if you're on the ground or first floor and your escape route is blocked. If you're higher up, wait to be rescued by firefighters. 
• If you need to break a window, use a heavy object to break the glass in the bottom corner. Then knock out the glass. Be careful of jagged edges - make them safe by laying a towel or blanket over them.
• Break your fall with cushions and bedding and don't jump - lower yourself down before dropping.
 
For a free Home Fire Safety Check, which may include the fitting of smoke alarms, please contact GMFRS on 0800 555 815 or visit /fire_safety_advice/home_fire_risk_assessments.aspx

On arrival fire crews were faced with a well established fire in the single storey building, with thick black smoke billowing from the building and drifting across to a nearby housing estate. At the height of the blaze approximately 60 fire fighters were at the scene and worked hard to bring the blaze under control and stop it from spreading to nearby buildings.

Whilst fighting the fire a large water main burst on the main road which drastically affected the amount of water available to extinguish the fire. The fire was brought under control after several hours using three large ground monitor jets and two large hand held jet.

The building was completely destroyed by fire and suffered a partial collapse. Fire crews will be at the scene for several days damping down the plastic waste material. Motorists should expect delays on Higginshaw Lane whilst the large hose lines remain in place across the carriageway. Local residents should keep their doors and windows closed until the fire is extinguished and the black smoke plume dissipates.

The fire will be subject of an investigation, however, it is believed to have been started deliberately.

When the crews arrived they could see a fire in the yard area of a commercial premises. One crew scaled a wall to gain access to the yard and investigate the fire.

Unfortunately, shortly after, an explosion occurred and four fire-fighters sustained blast injuries. The pressure wave of the blast knocked the fire-fighters off their feet and they suffered loss of hearing.

The fire, a pile of rubbish in the yard, unfortunately contained carelessly discarded acetylene cylinders. Crews used a large jet (ground monitor) to extinguish the fire and cool the cylinders from a safe distance.

An assistance message was quickly sent and an ambulance mobilised to the incident. More fire engines were sent alongside a specialist hazardous materials officer and an accident investigation officer.

The four fire-fighters, all from Farnworth station, were assessed on scene by paramedics and later transferred to hospital for further medical assessment.

Fortunately, following assessment at Bolton Royal Infirmary, the fire-fighters returned to station and resumed normal duties.

A multi-agency investigation into the incident is now being undertaken by the Fire Service and Police.

Crews from Ashton and Stalybridge fire stations were called to the blaze at a house on Wrigley Street at 11.30pm on Thursday, May 10.

The fire was out on arrival and had started after a cigarette was left burning in a plastic ashtray and set fire to a wooden fire surround.

Damage was limited to the fire surround and chimney breast.

A 30-year-old man was suffering from the effects of inhaling smoke and seen at the scene by paramedics.

Councillor David Acton, Chair of Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Authority, said: "One of the biggest causes of fire in the home in Greater Manchester is smoking. If you're a smoker or you have a smoker living in your house, it is very important that great care is taken when putting cigarettes and smoking materials out.

"Try to stay out of danger by ensuring cigarettes are fully stubbed out, don't smoke in bed, keep lighters and matches out of the reach of children, use a proper ashtray and never tap your ash into a waste paper basket."

The best way to avoid the risk of a fire starting with a cigarette or other smoking materials is to give up altogether but if you are a smoker you can help to protect your home against fire by following these simple steps:

• Always double-check that your cigarette is fully stubbed out
• If you're feeling drowsy, are drinking alcohol or are taking prescription drugs, take extra care when smoking
• Don't light up if you need to lie down and never smoke in bed
• Don't leave a lit cigarette, cigar or pipe lying around
• Always keep lighters and matches out of the reach of children
• Use a proper ashtray and ensure the ashtray is heavy and made of a material that won't burn
• Never tap ash into a waste paper basket

For more advice, click on this link /fire_safety_advice/home_fire_safety/smoking_safety.

For a Home Safety Check, which may include GMFRS fitting up to two free smoke alarms, please go to /fire_safety_advice/home_fire_risk_assessments.aspx or call 0800 555 815.

FIVE pets died after an electrical fault sparked a large fire at a house in Bury.

Crews from Bury, Whitefield and Blackley were called to the detached house in Heap Brow, Heap Bridge, at 11.43pm on Wednesday, May 9.

Firefighters in breathing apparatus searched the house and discovered three dogs, a cat and a budgie, which were all dead.

A 67-year-old man who was in the house at the time was treated by paramedics after suffering the effects of smoke inhalation and shock.  

The conservatory area was completely gutted by the fire and the rest of the house suffered smoke and water damage.

Green Watch Manager Steve Wilcock, from Bury Fire Station, said: "The fire started in a conservatory style extension of the house - one half was being used as an additional utility and kitchen area and this is where the fire started.

"The main house was heavily smoke-logged but, thanks to the quick actions of the crews, the fire didn't spread into the house.

"Although the house was fitted with smoke alarms, they unfortunately didn't sound because of their location in the house.

"The next door neighbour heard a bang and spotted the fire and immediately banged on the front door to wake the householders.

"When we arrived we were unsure of the location of the dogs and searched the house which had become smoke-logged."

Crews searched more than eight rooms in the house over three storeys but unfortunately the animals - including a Labrador, spaniel and spaniel puppy - had already died.

Relief crews stayed on the scene overnight and firefighters were due to return later in the day on Thursday, May 10, to carry out Home Safety Checks at neighbouring properties.

Watch Manager Wilcock added: "Electrical fires are completely indiscriminate but you can protect yourself by ensuring that you have working smoke alarms throughout your home. Unfortunately, these types of fires can just happen."

For a free Home Safety Check, which could include the fitting of smoke alarms, call 0800 555 815 or visit /fire_safety_advice/home_fire_risk_assessments.aspx

For further advice on fire safety in the home, please visit /fire_safety_advice/home_fire_safety.aspx

Firefighters from Oldham and Chadderton stations were called out to a fire at a health centre on High Street, Shaw, following reports of a fire at 12.50pm on Wednesday, May 9.

Crews found the fire was out on arrival but had to use a fan to clear the smoke as a ground floor room and corridor.

Only the food and microwave were damaged in the fire.

The started after a potato had been cooked on too high a setting.

At 5.30pm the same day, two crews from Eccles Fire Station were called to Hanover Court, Worsley.

A 73-year-old woman had put a wheat bag in a microwave and mistakenly set it to heat for 30 minutes.

The fire was out on arrival, firefighters cleared the smoke with a fan and a trauma technician treated the woman with oxygen.

She was taken to hospital by ambulance but later allowed to go home.

The damage was limited to the wheat bag alone.

At 7.10pm that evening, firefighters from Sale and Altrincham fire stations were called to a flat on Park Road, Timperley.

The fire was out by the time they arrived but a 62-year-old man was suffering from the effects of inhaling smoke and given oxygen by a Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service trauma technician.

The man had left his meal cooking in the microwave for too long.

Councillor David Acton, Chair of Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Authority, said: "Thankfully, none of the people involved were seriously injured and our firefighters were there to help.

"Microwaves are a powerful and sometimes dangerous piece of equipment and should be used carefully.

"We would urge everyone to make sure they follow instructions to the letter and do not leave cooking unattended no matter how tempting it is to do something else while waiting for your food."

Microwave oven fire safety

Don't leave food unattended when cooking in a microwave - even if you are following the instructions on the food packet.
Always follow the manufacturer's installation and operating instructions and safety precautions.
Never attempt to heat items that are not approved for use in microwave ovens.
Never dry or sterilise clothes or blankets in a microwave.
Clean the microwave oven regularly, this will reduce the potential of a fire. Always unplug the oven when cleaning.
Only use microwave-safe utensils.
Never heat flammable or combustible liquids in the microwave - a fire or explosion may occur.

WHEAT BAGS

Do…

Buy wheat bags with clear heating instructions from the manufacturer, and follow them.
Buy bags which include manufacturers' contact details if you have a problem.
Only use as a heat pack for direct application to the body.
Ensure your microwave turntable is working properly.
Watch for signs of overuse, such as a smell of burning or charring.
Leave bags to cool in a safe area and on a noncombustible surface like a kitchen sink.

Don't….

Use a wheat bag as a bed-warmer.
Overheat the bag.
Reheat the bag until it has completely cooled - which may take up to two hours.
Leave the microwave oven unattended when heating.
Put the bag away for storage until it has cooled.
Use the bag if you see evidence of problems.

Crews from Atherton, Leigh and Hindley were called to Westbourne Avenue at 3.56am on Thursday, May 10, 2012.

Crew Manager Simon Cording said: "When we arrived we quickly established the semi-detached house was in fact converted into four flats and we had a sofa well alight in the alleyway between the flats.

"We knew there were people inside so we quickly carried out rescues.  I dragged two men out of the smoke logged hall of each of the flats and we also rescued a woman who had been fast asleep.

"We then went back inside to carry out a Staffordshire bull terrier called Muttley.

"The fire had fractured a gas pipe but crews wearing breathing apparatus put the fire out with hoses before isolating the external gas supply, making it safe."

The fire had spread to the back doors of each of the ground floor flats and the blaze left the communal area of the hall and entrance of the properties smoke damaged.

A 35-year-old man was taken to Wigan General Hospital.

The fire had been started deliberately.

Crews were called to Gerrard Street, in Kirkholt, just after midnight after water started entering four homes.

They were at the scene for nearly three hours pumping the water into a nearby culvert.

At 9.27pm, crews from Salford and Moss Side were called to Lynwood Avenue, Whalley Range, after a fire involving a pan of food left unattended on a cooker.

An 80-year-old woman suffering the effects of smoke inhalation was given oxygen therapy by firefighters and checked over by paramedics.

Two crews from Salford were called to a block of flats in Churchill Way, Pendleton, at 5.55pm after a pan of food was left unattended on a cooker.

Firefighters broke into the flat to check for anybody inside, but the flat was empty.

At 8.31am, crews from Withington and Wythenshawe attended a block of flats in Palatine Road, Northenden, after a fire in the kitchen of a ground-floor property.

A 35-year-old woman suffering the effects of shock was given oxygen therapy by firefighters.

Damage was caused to a toaster, kitchen cupboard and a large quantity of magazines.

Area Manager Dave Keelan, Head of GMFRS' Prevention Services, said: "Thankfully, the people involved in these incidents escaped without serious injury, but they have still been left with damage to their homes which they will now have to get fixed.

"Sixty per cent of house fires start in the kitchen - usually as a result of somebody being distracted, even for just a few seconds. You should never leave cooking unattended, even to answer the phone or the door."

For further advice on fire safety in the kitchen, visit /fire_safety_advice/home_fire_safety/safety_in_kitchen.aspx

For a free Home Safety Check, which may include the fitting of smoke alarms, please contact Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service on 0800 555 815 or visit www.manchesterfire.gov.uk/fire_safety_advice/home_fire_risk_assessments.aspx

Firefighters from Hyde and Marple fire stations were called to a house on Uplands Road, Gee Cross, just after midnight on Wednesday, May 9.

Four people had escaped the house before crews arrived.

Two firefighters in breathing apparatus went in to tackle the blaze, which involved an electric blanket, but the fire was already out.

Crews then used a fan to clear the smoke.

A 22-year-old woman was suffering from the effects of inhaling smoke and was given oxygen at the scene by a Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service trauma technician.

It is thought the fire started as a result of a fault with the blanket.

Councillor David Acton, Chair of Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Authority, said: "Our crews were on the scene within a matter of minutes to help out but we would much rather we had not been called out at all

"People are understandably reaching for their heaters and electric blankets again with the unseasonably cool weather.

"While it might only be a few weeks or months since these items were last used, we urge everyone to use such items with caution - ensure you follow the manufacturer's instructions and, if in any doubt your blanket or heater is not working absolutely perfectly, do not use it."

ADVICE ON BUYING AND USING ELECTRIC BLANKETS:

When buying your electric blanket you should;

Buy it from a reliable source.

Check that it has a UK safety standard mark - this symbol means the blanket has been independently tested and meets the latest UK and European safety standards.

Before you use your blanket make sure that it (or its cord) does not show any of the following danger signs:

Fraying fabric

Scorch marks

Exposed elements

Creasing or folding

Soiling

Damp patches

Tie tapes damaged or missing

Worn flex

Loose connections

An old BEAB safety mark - a round symbol (the new sign is white capital letters on a black background). This means it is more than 10 years old.

If you are in any doubt about your blanket, contact the manufacturer before you use it to make sure that it is safe. It may need to be replaced.

Six crews and an aerial platform were called to Oldham Road, near Rigfield Street, at 6.19pm on Monday, May 7.

The fire was involving the first-floor of an empty two-storey building which used to be a nightclub and then an evangelical church.

Station Manager Jon Aspinall said: "When crews arrived there were huge amounts of thick, dense smoke billowing from the roof.

"There were early signs of collapse and we initially had crews in the building searching but they had to be withdrawn due to the rapid development of the fire and the potential collapse of the building.

"The smoke was beginning to cause problems on Oldham Road which was dangerous for traffic so we put a road closure in place. Then we set up the crews around the building to get water in through the windows and fight the fire.

"Fifty per cent of the roof was damaged by fire and partially collapsed and the rest of the building suffered smoke and water damage."

Firefighters used hose reels and jets to extinguish the fire and Oldham Road was closed both ways, between Broadway and Ashton Road West, for several hours.

Crews stayed on the scene throughout the night to dampen down the fire and a local authority dangerous building inspector was called.

Police also attended and a joint fire investigation is now underway to establish the cause of the fire.

Early indications are that the fire was started deliberately

Crews from Whitefield and Broughton fire stations were called to the blaze at a house on Thompson Avenue at 12.30am on Tuesday, May 8.

A smoke alarm had been sounding and raised the alarm.

Firefighters found there was a small fire in the kitchen of the property and they led an 87-year-old woman to safety from her smoke-filled hallway.

She was suffering from the effects of inhaling smoke and was taken to hospital by ambulance.

Two firefighters in breathing apparatus tackled the blaze with a hose reel and used a fan to clear the smoke.

A toaster and kettle were damaged in the blaze.

It is thought the fire started as a result of a fault with the toaster.

Councillor David Acton, Chair of Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Authority, said: "Our crews were on the scene quickly and were able to limit the damage this fire did thanks to the early warning a smoke alarm gave.

"Hopefully, the woman will recover quickly and will be able to have her life return to normal in no time.

"A working smoke alarm will give you those precious seconds to escape in the event of a fire and our Home Safety Check can include us fitting up to two smoke alarms for free so if you haven't already had a visit from us, please get in touch and arrange one."

For advice on fire safety in the kitchen, visit /fire_safety_advice/home_fire_safety/safety_in_kitchen.aspx  

For a free Home Safety Check, which may include the fitting of smoke alarms, please contact Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service on 0800 555 815 or visit www.manchesterfire.gov.uk/fire_safety_advice/home_fire_risk_assessments.aspx  

Two crews from Manchester Central Fire Station were called to Southall Street, Strangeways, at 11.50am on Wednesday, May 2.

Firefighters discovered a collision between a car and a van.

Crews rescued a 32-year-old man from the car using cutting gear and he was taken to hospital by ambulance.

At 5.40pm the same day, firefighters from Marple and Offerton fire stations were called to a collision on Compstall Road, Marple Bridge.

Crews discovered a car had gone down an embankment and a woman and child needed rescuing.

Firefighters freed the 38-year-old woman and a five-year-old girl from the car and both were taken to hospital by ambulance after being treated by a Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service trauma technician with oxygen.

At 2.30am on Thursday, May 3, two crews from Manchester Central Fire Station were called to Cheetham Hill Road, Cheetham Hill, following reports of a collision.

Firefighters discovered a car had collided with some railings and took a man out of the car on a spine board.

He was taken to hospital by ambulance with suspected spinal injuries and another man from the car was also taken to hospital.

Area Manager Dave Keelan, Head of GMFRS' Prevention Services, said: "Hopefully, all of the people involved in these incidents will recover quickly from their ordeal - thanks to the work of our firefighters they have the best possible chance of that.

"Our crews now rescue more people from road traffic collisions than they do from fires so its really important that we at Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service do all we can to prevent these incidents.

"Some simple things that can help you stay safe on the roads are: slow down and keep your distance, always wear a seatbelt and make sure others do so and switch off your mobile phone."

Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS) has drafted a Road Safety Strategy which is due to go out for public consultation in the coming weeks.

The strategy looks at how GMFRS will educate and engage with drivers and pedestrians about road safety, in particular targeting 17 to 25-years-olds across Greater Manchester.

It also considers how GMFRS will support schemes to educate drivers found guilty of driving offences and work with partners to improve the engineering design of roads and vehicles to reduce risks to road users.

For the latest information on the Road Safety Strategy and the public consultation, visit www.manchesterfire.gov.uk or follow us on Twitter @manchesterfire or Facebook http://www.facebook.com/manchesterfire.

Fire crews from Moss Side and Withington were called to a flat within a house on Elsmore Road in Fallowfield at 11.53pm.

By the time crews arrived the fire was out and they carried out a Home Safety Check in the flat, advising the owner about fire safety and escape routes.

Smoke coming from the oven had affected a man and woman in an upstairs flat.  They were given oxygen by crews but declined hospital treatment.

Head of Prevention Services at Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service, Dave Keelan said: "In this case the fire was out and thankfully, no one was seriously hurt or injured but cooking fires can so easily start if food is left unattended even for a few minutes."

On arrival crews were confronted with a well developed fire in the lounge of the two storey house.

Two people had left the property, a man and a woman, who were treated at the scene for smoke inhalation before being taken to Stepping Hill Hospital.

Fire crews from Hyde and Ashton stations wore breathing apparatus and tackled the fire using two water jets.

Fire Scene investigators are now looking into the cause of the blaze.

Crews in Stockport, Bolton, Tameside, Oldham and Manchester were called to deal with the incidents around the county which all happened within 10 hours of each other.

Area Manager Dave Keelan, Head of Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service's Prevention Services, said: "We're relieved that the people involved in these incidents escaped relatively unscathed but they will still have to face the upset of getting the damage to their homes fixed, and we would much rather they had never suffered a fire at all.

"Sixty per cent of house fires start in the kitchen - usually as a result of somebody being distracted, even for just a few seconds. You should never leave cooking unattended, even to answer the phone or the door.

"And remember that a working smoke alarm will give you those precious seconds to escape in the event of a fire."

Firefighters from Oldham, Hollins and Chadderton fire stations were called out to a fire at a house on Darwin Street, Oldham, at 5.35pm on Monday, April 30.

The blaze was out by the time the crews arrived and a 43-year-old man, who had been inside, declined the offer of any treatment.

A chip pan had caught fire after it was left unattended.

Crews from Moss Side and Withington fire stations were called to a fire in a third floor flat on Wellington Road, Withington, at 6.40pm the same evening.

Two firefighters in breathing apparatus tackled the blaze with an extinguisher.

The fire started after food in an oven had been left unattended.

At 7.25pm, two crews from Farnworth and a crew from Bolton Central Fire Station were called to a house on Crescent Road, Great Lever, following a report of a fire in the kitchen.

Two men were led to safety by firefighters and four firefighters in breathing apparatus tackled the blaze with two hose reels.

The men had been cooking food in a wok and left it unattended, causing the fire.

Crews carried out a Home Safety Check once the fire was out.

Firefighters from Whitehill and Marple fire stations were also called out to a kitchen fire at 7.25pm - at a bungalow on Townscliffe Lane, Mellor.

A plastic tray on a gas hob had caught fire but was out by the time firefighters arrived.

An 88-year-old woman was suffering from the effects of inhaling smoke and given oxygen by a Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service trauma technician.

Crews from Ashton and Mossley fire stations were called to a house on Stockport Road, Mossley, at 9.45pm on Monday, April 30.

A pan of food had been left on a cooker and caught fire but was out by the time firefighters arrived.

Firefighters from Stockport and Whitehill fire stations were called to a fire at a flat on North Way, Brinnington, at 3am on Tuesday, May 1, after a smoke alarm sounded.

Crews broke into the flat, found a 25-year-old man asleep and a frying pan on fire in the kitchen.

The man was cooking chips and had fallen asleep.

He was led to safety by firefighters and crews cleared the smoke from the flat using a fan.

Crews then carried out a Home Safety Check for the man.

For further advice on fire safety in the kitchen, visit www.manchesterfire.gov.uk/fire_safety_advice/home_fire_safety/safety_in_kitchen.aspx 

For a free Home Safety Check, which may include the fitting of smoke alarms, please contact Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service on 0800 555 815 or visit www.manchesterfire.gov.uk/fire_safety_advice/home_fire_risk_assessments.aspx 

Crews from Withington, Moss Side and Gorton were called to Burton Road in Withington at 1.54am on Tuesday, May 1, 2012.

Watch Manager Matt Brady said: "When we arrived a car was on fire outside the flats, but it was parked very close to the property and the two adjoining front doors.

"The car had a full tank of petrol and was well alight and the blaze was blocking the front doors.

"A 26-year-old woman and a 31-year old man had already got out of the downstairs flat through the back door but crews from Withington managed to rescue a second 26-year-old woman from an upstairs bedroom window.

"The petrol tank was leaking so there was a running fuel fire and the blaze spread to the side of the house and melted the external gas pipe.

"The gas was leaking and burning as well so we used the jets to lay a foam blanket to smother the flames and a hose to disperse the gas until the gas board arrived."

Crews gave the three people oxygen and they declined hospital treatment.  It is believed the fire had been started deliberately.

Crews from Bolton Central and Horwich were called to De Havilland Way near to the Reebok Stadium at 6.44pm on Monday, April 30, 2012.

The little boy was a back seat passenger in a car being driven by his mother, who had got herself out of the car by the time fire crews arrived and was suffering from shock.

They cut the 4-year-old out of the car and he was taken to hospital by ambulance suffering from suspected head and leg injuries.

With extreme weather conditions including high winds and heavy rain expected to continue into May, GMFRS would urge people to take care on the roads.

The Service is developing a Road Safety Strategy which will see our staff and crews support partners in delivering road safety initiatives to key groups and further develop education and engagement with road users and pedestrians.

Crews were met with dramatic scenes after the van spun around and ended up hanging precariously over a pedestrian walkway below the motorway.

At 2.40pm on Monday, April 30, crews from Whitehill Fire Station were called to Crookilley Way, Stockport - junction 26 of the M60 motorway.

A van had collided with a car on the road which runs from Bredbury towards Stockport alongside the motorway. 

Firefighters made the van safe using a hand winch to stabilise the vehicle before freeing one man who was trapped inside using cutting equipment.

He was taken to the Manchester Royal Infirmary by ambulance.

A woman and a man were freed from the car by firefighters and air-lifted to Wythenshawe Hospital by North West Air Ambulance.

Station Manager Peter Lamb said: "The van was hanging precariously off the motorway and it was balanced on the edge so the first thing the crews had to do was make it safe to make sure the vehicle didn't drop over the edge where the subway is.

"Once the van was stabilised, the crews were able to free the casualties. They freed the driver from the van and then the two people in the car who were taken to hospital by two air ambulances which were requested by the ambulance service.

"Where the collision happened is quite a complicated patch where the motorways all come together."

Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS) has drafted a Road Safety Strategy which is due to go out for public consultation later this year.

The strategy looks at how GMFRS will educate and engage with drivers and pedestrians about road safety, in particular targeting 17 to 25-years-olds across Greater Manchester.

It also considers how GMFRS will support schemes to educate drivers found guilty of driving offences and work with partners to improve the engineering design of roads and vehicles to reduce risks to road users.

For the latest information on the Road Safety Strategy and the public consultation, visit www.manchesterfire.gov.uk or follow us on Twitter @manchesterfire or Facebook http://www.facebook.com/#!/manchesterfire.

Three crews from Rochdale and Littleborough fire stations were called to a fire at a flat on Stevenson Square, Smallbridge, Rochdale, at 2.20am on Sunday, April 29.

Firefighters were on the scene within minutes of the call and four of them went in wearing breathing apparatus and tackled the blaze with two hose reels.

A man and woman had escaped from the building before the firefighters arrived.

The 25-year-old woman was suffering from the effects of inhaling smoke and was treated with oxygen by a Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service trauma technician.

She was taken to hospital by ambulance.

The 24-year-old man, who had been asleep in one of the lower floors of the property, escaped unharmed.

Firefighters cleared the smoke using a fan.

The maisonette was severely damaged by the fire, which had started after a candle in the woman's bedroom set fire to her bedding.

Area Manager Dave Keelan, Head of Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service's (GMFRS) Prevention Services, said: "Distraction is one of the main causes of fire and it's important to be extremely careful with candles - never leave them unattended as they can be dangerous.

"You can reduce your risk of causing a fire by ensuring all candles are out before you go to sleep. Make sure the candle is standing up straight and is firmly fixed in a proper holder; always place candles on a heat resistant surface; keep candles out of draughts, blowing curtains and sources of heat or direct sunlight; never lean across a candle as you could set your hair or clothes on fire; and always keep candles well out of reach of children and pets.

"Test smoke alarms once a week to ensure they are in good working order and, if you don't have a smoke alarm, we can make arrangements for a free Home Safety Check to be carried out."

For further advice on candle safety, go to www.manchesterfire.gov.uk/fire_safety_advice/home_fire_safety/candle_safety.aspx   

For a free Home Safety Check, which may include the fitting of up to two smoke alarms, please call 0800 555 815 or visit www.manchesterfire.gov.uk/fire_safety_advice/home_fire_risk_assessments.aspx