This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.
You can find the current article at its original source at http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-manchester-38326360
The article has changed 7 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.
Version 1 | Version 2 |
---|---|
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 after 04:15 GMT with 15 fire engines called to the scene. | |
Fire officials described the blaze, in Cardwell Street, as a "major incident". | |
The building, called Maple Mill, was also hit by fire three months ago. The fire service said it would be investigating the cause of the blaze. | |
Witnesses saw flames leap up to 200ft (60m) and said the front of the building had collapsed. | Witnesses saw flames leap up to 200ft (60m) and said the front of the building had collapsed. |
No firefighters have yet been able to enter the building as thick smoke engulfs the area. | |
There are not though to be any casualties but local residents have been advised to keep their doors and windows closed. | There are not though to be any casualties but local residents have been advised to keep their doors and windows closed. |
A emergency "rest centre" has been set up in the nearby Honeywell Centre for those residents evacuated from their homes. | |
Eyewitness 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." |