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Oldham paper mill fire: Homes evacuated | Oldham paper mill fire: Homes evacuated |
(35 minutes later) | |
Hundreds of people have been evacuated from their homes as more than 70 firefighters tackle a huge fire at a former paper mill in Oldham. | Hundreds of people have been evacuated from their homes as more than 70 firefighters tackle a huge fire at a former paper mill in Oldham. |
A total of 100 homes were cleared after the fire broke out before 03:00 GMT with 15 fire engines called to the scene. | |
Greater Manchester Fire Brigade described the blaze, in Cardwell Street, as a "major incident". | Greater Manchester Fire Brigade described the blaze, in Cardwell Street, as a "major incident". |
No firefighters have yet been able to enter Maple Mill. | |
Witnesses saw flames leap up to 200ft (60m) and said the front of the building had collapsed. | |
There are not though to be any casualties but local residents have been advised to keep their doors and windows closed. | |
Sarah Jones told the BBC: "I was woken by two loud bangs that I thought were gunshots but they were explosions." | |
BBC Radio Manchester presenter Mike Sweeney, who was at the scene, said: "It has lit up the whole sky. | BBC Radio Manchester presenter Mike Sweeney, who was at the scene, said: "It has lit up the whole sky. |
"It is just an incredible sight - like movie special effects. | "It is just an incredible sight - like movie special effects. |
"You can see it from miles away." | "You can see it from miles away." |