Huge blaze rips through warehouse after rechargeable batteries catch fire as urgent warning issued to locals
Fire crews scrambled to the scene of the blaze in Middleton, Manchester, which took place after lithium batteries were set alight inside a storage unit.
Eight fire engines and "special appliances" were sent to tackle the developing blaze at around 4.50pm this afternoon.
Pictures from the scene show thick smoke billowing into the sky.
Others showed a number of gas-masked firefighters using specialised equipment to gain entry to the storage unit.
Locals have been told to keep doors and windows closed as a safety precaution.
Eyewitnesses have reported seeing several fire crews in attendance, with Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS) confirming that eight appliances were sent to tackle the blaze.
A fire service spokesperson said: "Firefighters are currently tackling a fire involving a storage unit at a commercial premises on Old Hall Street, Middleton.
"Nearby residents are advised to keep their windows and doors closed with some surrounding roads also closed."
A GMFRS representative on scene told the MEN that firefighters are "urrently carrying out firefighting internally and externally" in a bid to extinguish lithium ion batteries inside a storage unit.
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