Albert Royds Street closed, trains cancelled following fire at industrial unit

Fire at an industrial unit off Albert Royds Street

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UPDATE 12.00PM

Eight fire engines, three aerial platforms and the command support unit are still at the fire in Rochdale.

Large parts of the fire have now been extinguished and following a tactical review jets are being used from ground level to extinguish remaining pockets of fire.

Firefighters will remain on the scene throughout the day, with the road remaining closed for now.

There is still a lot of smoke coming from the building and local residents are advised to keep windows and doors closed.

UPDATE 9.30AM

A number of fire engines and specialist appliances remain at the scene of an industrial unit fire in Rochdale, eight hours after they were first called.

Crew have worked incredibly hard to bring the fire under control and protect neighbouring properties.

Colleagues from Lanacashire Fire and Rescue Service also provided assistance with ‘the stinger’ a specialist aerial appliance that penetrates structures from above to put water straight on the fire.

Area Manager Ben Levy paid tribute to the firefighters who have worked since the early hours saying: “Crews have worked tirelessly to bring the fire under control. They worked quickly and efficiently to protect neighbouring properties because when we arrived there was a very real and immediate risk that the fire could spread to nearby houses.

“Thankfully, the actions of our firefighters meant that was not the case.

The public are still reminded to keep doors and windows closed if there is any visible smoke and to avoid the Albert Royds Street area as the road remains closed and will do well into the afternoon.

UPDATE 6.00AM

Around 100 firefighters remain at the scene of a large fire that broke out at an industrial unit in Rochdale this morning, Thursday, 8 February.

The unit, measuring over 100 metres, is still fully involved in fire while Albert Royds Street remains closed and will do throughout the day. A nearby railway line is also closed and is affecting services between Todmorden and Rochdale.

Residents from three homes closest to the fire were also evacuated.

Area Manager Ben Levy said: “Crews were met with a very serious fire at the building which is over 100 metres and is still fully involved in fire. Our priority now is to protect neighbouring properties.

“Unfortunately, there is an awful lot of smoke in the area, so I would ask people locally to keep their doors and windows closed. Albert Royds Street also remains closed and will do for most of the day, along with a nearby railway line.

“We are working with partners to get these open as soon as possible.”

1.11am

Twelve pumps and other specialist appliances from across Greater Manchester are currently dealing with a fire involving an industrial unit in Rochdale.

Firefighters were called at 1.11am and fire engines, aerial appliances and specialist rescue units raced to the scene.

Crew wearing breathing apparatus are tackling the fire with jets and are utilising aerial appliances to put water on to the fire from height.

Some local residents nearest to the fire have been evacuated while crew deal with the incident.

A large amount of smoke has discharged over the local area and local residents are advised to keep doors and windows closed.

Albert Royds Street remains closed and it is anticipated that firefighters will remain at the scene through the day so the public are advised to check of any road closures before they travel.

Schools:

Four schools are currently closed due to the fire on Albert Royds Street, Rochdale

- Belfield Primary
- Hamer Primary
- Springside School
- Brownhill School

Trains:

All lines are blocked between Rochdale and Todmorden. Buses will operate between these stations.