Scores of homes have been evacuated after an “intense” fire broke out at a tower block in Salford.
The blaze took hold at a high-rise in Mulberry Court, near the Salford Precinct shopping centre, just after 8am on Tuesday morning.
Footage showed flames and smoke billowing from at least one room in the building, on the 10th floor, and witnesses described a “huge” response by firefighters and police.
The entire building – a total of 88 flats – was evacuated and by 10:30am residents were gradually being allowed back into the building as firefighters assessed the safety of each floor individually.
There are no reports of any injuries, and Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service said that an investigation into the origins of the fire was under way.
“At 8.10am on 27 December 2022, we received the first of a number of calls about a high-rise building fire at Mulberry Court, Salford,” said the fire service’s area manager Ben Levy.
“Our firefighters were quickly on scene and at the height of the response we had five fire engines and an aerial ladder platform in attendance.
“Firefighters, using breathing apparatus, tackled what was an intense fire in a flat on the tenth floor, bringing it under control using water jets. They successfully contained the fire to the tenth floor, but as a precaution 88 flats in the building were evacuated.
“Thankfully, no injuries have been reported and our fire safety officer, who is working closely with Salix Homes, has confirmed that the building performed as expected. Residents have started to return to their homes, and we are working with Salix Homes to reassure them.
“Given the severity of this fire and this being a high-rise building, I’m proud of our firefighters and their swift and safe response to protect people. An investigation into the cause of the fire is ongoing.”
Salix Homes said it had set up an emergency refuge for affected residents at neighbouring Sycamore Court and at its offices in Weaste.
“The safety of our residents is our primary concern and we would like to reassure all our residents that the fire alarm system activated as it is designed to, along with the additional fire safety measures we have in place on the block,” said chief executive Sue Sutton.
“In line with the Stay Safe policy in operation at the building, the alarm is designed to sound in the area affected by fire. The fire service evacuated the rest of the building as a precautionary measure.
“Some residents were allowed back in the building shortly after 10.30am and we are supporting residents who have still been unable to return to their homes. We are continuing to work with Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service to determine the cause of the blaze.”
