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The Manc The Manc - 15th April 2020
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Fire service thanks Manchester public for cooperation while they worked to extinguish Hotspur Press fire

Emily Sergeant Emily Sergeant GMFRS working at Hotspur Press

Manchester’s fire service has now thanked the public for their cooperation after crews worked under ‘very challenging conditions’ last night.

One of Manchester’s most historic landmarks has been left destroyed this morning after a huge fire erupted at the now-derelict Hotspur Press building, which is on Cambridge Street beside Oxford Road train station, late yesterday afternoon (Monday 23 June).

It was subsequently declared a ‘major incident’ by authorities.

Thick black smoke clouds could be seen for miles over the city centre from around 4:30pm onwards and into the evening, as fire crews worked to extinguish the blaze.

Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS) confirmed that a total of 20 fire engines from across Greater Manchester were at the scene, tackling the blaze – which it said had spread to three floors of the building.

At the height of the blaze, two aerial units and more than 100 firefighters were working at the scene in warm and humid conditions.

Formal statements addressing the incident have already been made by Manchester City Council Leader, Cllr Bev Craig, and the UK’s Health Security Agency (UKHSA) – the latter of which provided relevant health advice.

Hotspur Press aftermath
GMFRS has thanked the Manchester public for their cooperation as they worked to extinguish the Hotspur Press fire / Credit: The Manc Group | Jonathan Boswell (Submitted)

But as of 9:40am this morning, with much of the fire extinguished despite crews still working at the scene, GMFRS has now issued a statement providing the latest updates on the incident and thanking the public for ‘allowing us to get on with the job’

“The fire spread to several balconies at the two tower blocks at number 1 Cambridge Street, and we took the decision to evacuate all residents,” explained a spokesperson for GMFRS. “Firefighters worked tirelessly to ensure all occupants made it out of the buildings safely and there are no reports of any occupants suffering ill health.

“Shortly after 9pm, once the major incident was lifted, the occupants of one of those blocks was able to return home, while the other remains closed as we work with Manchester City Council and the building owner to make the building habitable again. 

“Oxford Road station and the railway line have now reopened. Crews are still working on Gloucester St and the main area around the mill, but the main roads of Whitworth Street and access off the Mancunian Way have reopened.

“Crews will be joined by specialist fire officers later this morning to begin investigating the cause of the fire, as well as assessing the extent of the structural damage to the building.

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“We’d like to thank the public for allowing us to get on with the job last night under very challenging conditions.”

Featured Image – GMFRS (via Twitter)

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UKHSA issues health advice following huge fire at derelict Manchester city centre mill

Emily Sergeant Emily Sergeant Hotspur Press aftermath

The UK’s Health Security Agency (UKHSA) is just one authority to release a statement following a derelict mill in Manchester going up in flames yesterday.

One of Manchester’s most historic landmarks has been left destroyed this morning after a huge fire erupted at the now-derelict Hotspur Press building, which is beside Oxford Road train station, late yesterday afternoon (Monday 23 June).

Thick black smoke clouds could be seen for miles over the city centre from around 4:30pm onwards and into the evening, as fire crews worked to extinguish the blaze.

Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS) confirmed that a total of 20 fire engines from across Greater Manchester were at the scene, tackling the blaze – which it said had spread to three floors of the building.

Around 180 residents in two neighbouring apartment blocks were evacuated, and had to either be put up at hotels, or stay with family and friends overnight.

Train lines were also blocked throughout the night at Oxford Road station after smoke and flames billowed onto the tracks, but as of this morning (Tuesday 24 June), National Rail said all lines had reopened, but did however warn commuters to expect ‘residual disruption’ to services throughout the morning.

Now, the morning after the fire with much of it extinguished, some wider road cordons have been lifted around the Whitworth Street West area, however many do still remain in place, and a significant police and fire presence can also be seen.

Appealing to any local residents or members of the public who were in the vicinity of the scene of the fire yesterday, including those spectating as smoke billowed, a spokesperson for the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has issued a statement offering some advice and guidance: “The general advice is people should remain out of the smoke. Smoke is an irritant, it can make people’s eyes and throat sore.

“Some substances present in smoke can irritate the lining of the air passages, the skin and the eyes. Respiratory symptoms include coughing and wheezing, breathlessness, sputum (phlegm) production and chest pain.

“Chemicals in the smoke can worsen existing health problems like asthma. People with asthma and other respiratory conditions may be particularly susceptible to the smoke and should carry and use their medication, such as inhalers, as usual.”

The statement then concluded by urging anyone who may have concerns about the smoke’s impact on their health to contact NHS 111 service, either online or over the phone.

Hotspur Press aftermath
Hotspur Press aftermath
Health advice has been issued following a huge fire at a derelict Manchester city centre mill / Credit: Jonathan Boswell (Submitted)

Cllr Bev Craig, who is the Leader of Manchester City Council, has also issued a statement following the major incident.

“We’ve been working closely with emergency response colleagues following the major fire incident at the Hotspur Press building,” her statement begins.

“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.

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“A final thank you to the city’s emergency personnel for their ongoing efforts, acting quickly to keep the fire under control and keeping our residents safe.”

Featured Image – Jonathan Boswell

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