Two bars have been left devastated after a fire ripped through a bin storage in the early hours of this morning (April 7). Firefighters were called to Market Street in Bury town centre to the blaze around 4am with a bin compound found alight on Back Market Street West.
Bins could be seen melted and severe smoke damage to walls and other objects in the storage area behind Stanley's of Bury and The House of Bridget, on Silver Street, and other adjacent businesses. Silver Street was closed for a time early in the morning while the fire was brought under control but was opened just a few hours later. A police cordon was put in place around Stanley's of Bury and The House of Bridget while police and fire carried out investigations with gas company Cadent making the area safe.
Pictures of the damage, taken from coffee shop Ground Up Coffee, which had significant damage to it's windows and bathroom, showed the devastation caused by the blaze in the bin storage area with six fire engines and a turntable ladder having to be called to the scene. The inside of Stanley's of Bury could also be seen with severe damage caused by the fire.
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Fire fighters could be seen carrying out investigations in the bars and surrounding businesses before police detectives, crime scene investigation officers, and fire dogs, arrived to investigate. The cause of the fire has not been disclosed.
Stanley's of Bury said it has been left 'devastated' by the blaze which has forced it and The House of Bridget to close over the bank holiday weekend. They said that no one was present at the time of the fire and no injuries have been reported.
Stanley's of Bury posted on their Facebook page, saying: "Dear customers, we're gutted to announce that both The House of Bridget and Stanley's of Bury suffered a fire in the early hours of this morning (Friday 7th April). Thankfully, nobody has been injured as there was no one was in either building at the time of the fire.
"While the cause of the fire is still being investigated, it's clear that the extent of the damage to both venues is significant. This sadly means we won't be able to open this bank holiday weekend or in the coming weeks, however we are committed to rebuilding and reopening as soon as possible.
"We understand that this news may be disappointing to some of you ahead of the bank holiday weekend, and we're truly sorry for any inconvenience caused. We are currently working with emergency services to assess the situation, and will do our best to keep you updated as we learn more.
"We're devastated that this has happened, and hope you'll give us your support during this difficult time. Thank you all for your understanding."
A Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue spokesman said: "At around 4am this morning (Friday, 7th April), firefighters were called to reports of a fire at a commercial address on Market Street in Bury. Six fire engines from Bury, Whitefield, Heywood, Blackley, Bolton Central and Broughton fire stations, along with the turntable ladder from Bolton Central, the technical response unit from Ashton-under-Lyne and the command unit from Atherton fire stations quickly arrived at the scene.
"The fire involved a bin compound which firefighters extinguished using two hose reels. Firefighters remain at the scene alongside Greater Manchester Police while they work to make the area safe."
Greater Manchester Police have been approached for more information. GMP did confirm there were no injuries.
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