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UKHSA issues health advice following huge fire at derelict Manchester city centre mill
The statement offers support to those who may need it.
Emily Sergeant -
24th June 2025 
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.
BREAKING 🚨 Huge fire in Manchester city centre right now – historic Hotspur Press is ablaze with major disruption to trains out of Oxford Road #manchester #mcr pic.twitter.com/SnA52oiqxm
— The Manc (@TheMancUK) June 23, 2025
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.
LATEST: The blaze looks to have been extinguished after some incredible work by @manchesterfire.
— The Manc (@TheMancUK) June 23, 2025
A large cordon is still in place; Whitworth Street is currently closed for the foreseeable and there are major rail delays/cancellations surrounding Manchester Oxford Rd Station.
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.
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.
Read more:
- Smoke billows across Manchester city centre as historic mill goes up in flames
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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
