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Greenfield homes were evacuated as fire raged at industrial site

BBC Published Aug 16, 2026 Reviewed Aug 18, 2026 ✓ Reviewed by citations.press editors
Greenfield homes were evacuated as fire raged at industrial site
Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service reported that 45 homes were evacuated in Wellington Road and Knoll Close due to the industrial fire.
45 · homes Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service, fire service
More than 10 fire engines were deployed to the industrial fire in Greenfield, with aerial ladder units and specialist appliances also sent from across Greater Manchester.
more than 10 · fire engines

Families had to be evacuated from their homes in two streets after a huge fire broke out at a neighbouring industrial building.

The blaze, which shot huge plumes of black and orange smoke into the sky, was spotted at just after 07:30 BST at a site off Wellington Road in Greenfield, near Oldham.

Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service said 45 homes were evacuated in Wellington Road and Knoll Close, which backs on to the burning building.

Residents have now returned to their homes, with fire crews using gas detectors to ensure it was safe to do so, a spokesperson said.

More than 10 fire engines along with a number of aerial ladder units and specialist appliances from across Greater Manchester were sent to the scene of the blaze.

"Our crews remain at the scene, continuing their work alongside partners to make the site safe," the fire service added.

A cordon was put in place during the incident and nearby roads were shut while crews tackled the fire. People were asked to avoid the area.

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