A huge blaze which broke out at an industrial site in north Manchester may have been caused by a cooking fire the Manchester Evening News understands.
Around 50 firefighters descended on the scene on Clifton Street in Miles Platting at around 3.40am this morning (Saturday) after two industrial buildings were engulfed by flames.
Huge plumes of smoke could be seen bellowing across the city as eight crews worked through the early hours to tackle the fire, which caused parts of the buildings to collapse.
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Greater Manchester Fire Service (GMFRS) confirmed that one of the buildings was being used as a church. It is understood around 20 people had been attending prayers when the fire started.
A source told the M.E.N. there were a number of churchgoers standing outside when fire crews arrived, including women and children.
GMFRS station manager Ken Booth said no casualties had been reported, and nobody had been reported missing, but added this couldn't be confirmed until the area had been made safe.
The M.E.N understands that one line of enquiry is that the fire started after preparation of food near the premises went wrong. A number of sources have confirmed it is one thread of the investigation. But fire investigators are also scrutinising the contents of part of the unit which was full of old vehicles and other items to see if it could have been the source of the fire.
The exact cause of the fire has not been determined at this stage, with GMFRS and GMP said to be working together on the investigation.
It is understood a compound containing dozens of brand new vehicles which were due to be adapted and customised was nearby to where the fire broke out.
When crews arrived, about three of the vehicles were already alight but firefighters drove the rest of the fleet out of the line of rapidly spreading flames.
It is understood when crews arrived they found members of the church, including women and children, at the scene. One source said: "It was quite surreal. There were members of a church gathered outside at 3am as 50 firefighters fought the fire and moved the vans."
A huge cordon was erected, with a number of roads closed in the area, as crews worked to tackle the blaze. It's understood this has now been scaled back, but a number of fire engines remain at the scene.
Station manager Mr Booth, officer in charge at the scene, said: "GMFRS crews have been working since the early hours tackling a large fire at an industrial estate on Clifton Street, Manchester.
"Four fire engines are still at the scene fighting the remaining pockets of fire. The fire had spread to four units, causing parts of the buildings to collapse. The hard work of our crews stopped the fire spreading any further, saving a number of commercial spaces and warehouses.
"No casualties have been reported and there is no evidence of anyone missing. However, we will not be able to confirm this until the area is safe. Hulme Hall Lane (A6010) has now been reopened but Clifton Street and Lord North Street remain closed.
"A fire investigation procedure has been initiated and our fire investigation officers are working with other agencies, including Greater Manchester Police, to determine the cause of the fire.
"GMFRS crews will be at the scene for some time and people are asked to avoid the area where possible."
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