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| Version 1 | Version 2 |
|---|---|
| Historic mill blaze probe begins | Historic mill blaze probe begins |
| (about 8 hours later) | |
| A major investigation is under way into the cause of a fire which has destroyed a historic mill in Greater Manchester. | A major investigation is under way into the cause of a fire which has destroyed a historic mill in Greater Manchester. |
| The blaze at Maple Mill in Hathershaw, Oldham, started on Tuesday night and is still being tackled by fire crews. | The blaze at Maple Mill in Hathershaw, Oldham, started on Tuesday night and is still being tackled by fire crews. |
| About 200 residents have been forced to leave their homes, with the area immediately around the fire and nearby streets cordoned off. | About 200 residents have been forced to leave their homes, with the area immediately around the fire and nearby streets cordoned off. |
| It is believed to have started when a diesel generator exploded, causing fire to spread to gas canisters nearby. | It is believed to have started when a diesel generator exploded, causing fire to spread to gas canisters nearby. |
| The mill was built more than 100 years ago and is said to be one of the largest remaining former cotton mills in the north of England. | The mill was built more than 100 years ago and is said to be one of the largest remaining former cotton mills in the north of England. |
| Neighbouring streets have been cordoned off | Neighbouring streets have been cordoned off |
| Billy Myers, of Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service, said the heat from the blaze was "very, very intense". | Billy Myers, of Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service, said the heat from the blaze was "very, very intense". |
| "The residents are being accommodated at Hathershaw School while we investigate the cause of the fire and make sure the area is safe for people to return to." | "The residents are being accommodated at Hathershaw School while we investigate the cause of the fire and make sure the area is safe for people to return to." |
| Earlier, nearby resident Louisa Price told the BBC: "It started off very black, oily and greasy, immediately followed by a series of explosions - about nine or 10." | Earlier, nearby resident Louisa Price told the BBC: "It started off very black, oily and greasy, immediately followed by a series of explosions - about nine or 10." |
| A joint police and fire service investigation is under way into the cause of the fire. | A joint police and fire service investigation is under way into the cause of the fire. |
| Insp Elwyn Jones, of Greater Manchester Police, said: "The building is still alight and we believe it is structurally unsound, so it is clearly unsafe. | Insp Elwyn Jones, of Greater Manchester Police, said: "The building is still alight and we believe it is structurally unsound, so it is clearly unsafe. |
| "I want to remind people that the cordon remains in place for their safety. | "I want to remind people that the cordon remains in place for their safety. |
| "The fire is not expected to be extinguished for some time so the road closures will remain in place. | "The fire is not expected to be extinguished for some time so the road closures will remain in place. |
| "I appreciate it must be upsetting for people to be asked to leave their home, but we cannot take any unnecessary risks." | "I appreciate it must be upsetting for people to be asked to leave their home, but we cannot take any unnecessary risks." |
| Meanwhile Oldham Council said it was working with a number of organisations, including the Salvation Army and housing associations, to find alternative accommodation for residents affected. | |
| John Eley assistant executive director of the council said: "Our chief priority right now is to assist those residents affected by the fire as much as we possibly can. | |
| "Clearly this a stressful time for them and we hope we can help them get back to their normal lives as swiftly as possible." | |
| Most roads are due to reopen apart from Dowry Street, the road evacuated. |