Fire Sweeps Through UK Industrial Estate

Firefighters saved four in a complex of seven single story factory buildings as flames raced through an industrial estate Tuesday morning in Salford, England.

The Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service were called to the scene shortly before 11 a.m., bringing an initial response that included eight engines. Firefighters found a 50 meter by 50 meter section of the complex ablaze, the service’s website reports.

Incident commander Mark Doggett warned the public to keep doors and windows closed due to the large amount of smoke generated.

Donning breathing apparatus, firefighters attacked the fire using high pressure jets of water. An aerial device applied water to the flames from above. The Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service joined the effort with its remote-control extendable turret capable of delivering 4,500 liters of water up to 85 meters away.

Firefighters declared the fire under control at 5:15 p.m. but continued active firefighting for the next five hours. As of 9 a.m. Wednesday, road closures remained in place and residents continued to be warned about smoke.

Greater Manchester and Lancashire firefighters would again join forces on a second major industrial fire the following day in Adlington.