Rochdale warehouse fire: Homes evacuated as 100 firefighters tackle blaze at industrial unit

Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service says it expects to be at the scene 'through the day' as widespread local travel disruption expected

The fire at an industrial unit in Rochdale (Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue/PA)

Approximately 100 firefighters have spent the night tackling a blaze at an industrial unit in Rochdale.

Crews were called to Albert Royds Street at about 1.10am on Thursday and are expected to be at the scene “through the day”, Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service said.

Residents living nearby have been advised to keep their doors and windows closed owing to smoke, while a number have been evacuated from their homes.

The fire service said: “Albert Royds Street remains closed and it is anticipated that firefighters will remain at the scene through the day so the public are advised to check of any road closures before they travel.”

The blaze is also expected to cause disruption to trains, with National Rail warning that all lines are blocked between Rochdale and Todmorden.

PA