Nearby apartment blocks close to Hotspur Press were evacuated due to the scale of the blaze
A massive inferno which violently ripped through an 19th century mill in Manchester city centre caused 180 people to be evacuated from their homes on Monday evening (June 23).
The Hotspur Press building on Cambridge Street erupted into flames, causing much of the city centre to be masked by smoke and roads to be cordoned off in the nearby vicinity.
Thick plumes of smoke were sent into the air as the fire also caused a huge evacuation of nearby homes and the Oxford Road train station.
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It has since been confirmed that, after two nearby apartment blocks were evacuated, a total of 180 residents have been displaced. Of those, 27 are staying in hotels, with the remainder staying elsewhere, such as with friends or family.
“Manchester Council were on site immediately after the fire started. We have worked closely with the fire and police authorities,” councillor and city centre spokesperson Pat Karney told the M.E.N.
“Our main priority was to protect local residents. 180 people were evacuated from two blocks near the fire, with the majority opting to stay with friends and family
“27 residents have sought help with emergency accommodation and have been put in local hotels.”
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Some living locally told the M.E.N of how they packed their bags in a panic after seeing the smoke. Others described ‘ash falling from the sky’ and said the fire appeared to be ‘scary and out of control’.
There were dramatic scenes in the city centre, as streets filled with smoke as emergency crews handed out masks and urged people to avoid the area. Those living nearby were told to keep windows closed and there were fears of potential asbestos in the mill further causing alarm.
Images from the scene showed flames erupting from the top floor of the building, while others showed that the fire appeared to have completely gutted the interior. One picture from a passing plane revealed how the smoke was clearly visible in the sky over the city.
And flames creeped up the building and sent smoke covering nearby Oxford Road station, just yards away, causing the area to be evacuated and trains to be halted for the rest of the night.
The latest statement from the Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service read: “Crews are working hard to tackle the fire at the Hotspur Press building. 20 fire engines from stations across Greater Manchester are at the scene, where three floors of the building are alight.
“Multiple jets and the air unit are in use to prevent the spread of the fire. All floors of the two apartment blocks at 1 Cambridge Street have been evacuated.”
Council leader Bev Craig thanked the emergency services for their efforts. In a statement she said: “We’ve been working closely with emergency response colleagues this evening following the major fire incident at the Hotspur Press building. Evacuated residents are now being supported at a nearby rest centre.
“A cordon remains around Cambridge Street along with local road closures, and we thank people for taking fire service advice to avoid the area while crews continue to work at the site. Those living nearby should also continue to keep windows and doors shut to avoid smoke.
“A final thank you to the city’s emergency personnel for their ongoing efforts tonight, acting quickly to keep the fire under control and keeping our residents safe.”
No details have yet been confirmed on whether there were any reported injuries sustained as a result of the fire or its cause. An investigation will now take place.