Firefighters tackle waste fire in Milnrow after 'explosion'

Photo: J Media Group Fire Ground Photography

Greater Manchester Fire & Rescue Service

An explosion from a waste fire shook houses in Milnrow on Saturday evening (4 March).

Fire engines quickly attended the scene at the back of Major Street and Chapel Gate shortly before 7.30pm, after residents from both sides of the street reported feeling their houses shake.

The explosion was caused by the lighting of the fire after using petrol as an accelerant.

A spokesperson for the fire service said: “At around 7.25pm this evening, firefighters were called to reports of a fire on Major Street in Milnrow, Rochdale.

“Two fire engines from Rochdale fire station quickly attended the scene. Firefighters used hose reels to extinguish a fire coming from some waste at the back of a row of terraced houses.

“Firefighters were at the scene for approximately half an hour.”

Further investigation into the incident will now be carried out by GMFRS and partners.