FIREFIGHTERS have worked through the night to bring a huge fire in a derelict building in Salford under control.
Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service said that three fire engines and between 15 and 20 firefighters remained at the scene of the former student accommodation known as Castle Irwell in Cromwell Road, Salford.
At its height, more than 50 firefighters were on the scene of the two story building known locally as ‘The Pav’ because of its historic status as the racecourse grandstand years ago.
Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service was called to the building just before 8.30pm yesterday (Sunday, July 10) when smoke could be seen coming from a second floor window.
Just moments later smoke plumed across Salford and could be seen from across the city as firefighters raced to the scene.
The first crew in attendance immediately called for more firefighters and five fire engines in total were mobilised to the two storey building, which is estimated to be about 50metres long. Senior fire officers sectorised the building and three jets of water were immediately aimed into the blaze.
A spokesperson for the Service explained: “The building was well alight with seats of fire throughout the two-storey premises. A total of 10 fire engines were at the scene at the height of the fire, with more than 50 firefighters tackling the blaze. The team on site overnight has included specialist technical rescue firefighters and crew operating a hydraulic platform vehicle – similar to a ‘cherry picker’ – which enabled us to jet water into the building from above the roof. Crew have continued to battle throughout the night to get the fire surrounded.”
This morning crews were still on scene damping down several areas. They have been using ground monitors to keep an eye on the main areas. Cromwell Road has now been opened in an easterly direction towards Manchester city centre, but remains closed westerly.
Residents in Salford have posted updates to social media showing the building on fire and also the work of firefighters trying to put the blaze out.
It is not believed that anyone was inside the building or that anyone has been injured from the fire. The cause is not yet known but Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service will be working with Greater Manchester Police this morning to investigate.
