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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. A total of 100 homes were cleared after the fire broke out after 04:15 GMT with 15 fire engines called to the scene.
Greater Manchester Fire Brigade described the blaze, in Cardwell Street, as a "major incident". Fire officials described the blaze, in Cardwell Street, as a "major incident".
No firefighters have yet been able to enter Maple Mill. 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.
Sarah Jones told the BBC: "I was woken by two loud bangs that I thought were gunshots but they were explosions." 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."