Thick plumes of smoke were seen overhead on Monday afternoon after a blaze broke out at a recycling centre in Clifton, Salford. Fire crews rushed to the commercial site, on Rake Lane, on Monday (July 4) after a heap of rubbish set alight.
It has since been confirmed that the fire also involved a digger in the shed of the commercial property. Crews were first called out to the scene shortly before 3pm in the afternoon.
Videos taken from the scene show thick black smoke escaping from the site and billowing overhead, with the fire brigade in attendance attempting to dampen the blaze. As of 5pm, the fire was still roaring on, as crews continued to try and put it out.
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Businesses on the estate and nearby homes, beside the River Irwell, were urged to keep all windows and doors closed due to the amount of smoke. It is understood the fire broke out at a recycling facility on the estate.
The Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service announced the news of the blaze online, as they urged people nearby to remain cautious. "There is a lot of smoke so please close your doors and windows," they added.
A Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Services spokesperson said: “At 2.48pm on Monday 4 July firefighters were called out to a fire at a commercial building on Rake Lane, Swinton. Four fire engines from Whitefield, Agecroft, Broughton and Salford fire stations – as well as a Command Support Unit from Atherton – have attended.
"Firefighters remain at the scene and are using a jet and two breathing apparatus to tackle the blaze which involves a large pile of rubbish and a digger in a commercial shed. Residents and business owners nearby are being asked to keep windows and doors closed.”
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