Fire crews battle large blaze at Middleton storage unit

Wednesday, 18 June 2025 18:58

By David Murphy

Residents warned to stay indoors with windows shut as emergency crews battle massive fire in Townley Street.

A large scale fire has broken out at a commercial storage unit in Middleton, with emergency services urging residents to stay indoors and keep windows and doors shut due to heavy smoke.

Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service, GMFRS, confirmed that eight fire engines were dispatched to the scene on Old Hall Street shortly after 4.50pm on Wednesday 18 June. The fire, centred on the Storage World facility, is believed to involve lithium ion batteries, which are being fought internally and externally by around 45 firefighters.

Images from our photographer on the scene, show smoke coming out of all the building doors and windows. Roads around the site, including Townley Street, have been closed, and a cordon has been extended to secure the area.

A GMFRS spokesperson said: “Firefighters wearing breathing apparatus are using hose reels to tackle the fire and remain in attendance to make the area safe. Local residents are advised to keep their windows and doors closed due to the large volume of smoke. Some surrounding roads are also closed.”

One passer-by told Roch Valley Radio: “I was on my way out of the gym and the road was closed off. I could see the smoke coming on the street.”

Crews on-site have issued repeated warnings through official GMFRS channels and local media urging the public to avoid the vicinity.

🚨 Firefighters are currently tackling a fire involving a storage unit at a commercial premises on Old Hall Street, Middleton

🚒 Nearby residents are advised to keep their windows and doors closed with some surrounding roads also closed#GMFRS pic.twitter.com/pLozNugroF
— Greater Manchester Fire & Rescue Service (@manchesterfire) June 18, 2025

The cause of the fire at this current time has not been confirmed, and there are no immediate reports of injuries.

Do you have a story for us? Want to tell us about something happening in our Borough?

Let us know by emailing newsdesk@rochvalleyradio.com

All contact will be treated in confidence.

More from Local News

Dig deep into Rochdale’s past at Broadfield Park this July

Locals of all ages invited to join free archaeological dig and discover the town’s industrial roots.
Big win for Hopwood Hall as teaching staff scoop national awards

Hopwood Hall College is celebrating after staff were honoured in the Pearson National Teaching Awards, one of the biggest accolades in the education world.
Bury flies Purple Flag for tenth year with focus on safety and evening economy

Bury celebrates a decade of Purple Flag accreditation as new measures are introduced to boost town centre safety and nightlife
Bury man among four charged with smuggling cocaine through Manchester Airport

A man from Bury is among four suspects facing court today after being charged with cocaine smuggling at Manchester Airport, following an investigation by the National Crime Agency.
Rotary Middleton joins forces to clear balsam and rubbish from Alkrington Woods

Rotary Middleton and the Friends of Alkrington Woods joined up for a community cleanup, clearing litter and invasive plants from the local beauty spot.
Young footballer from Rochdale shines in international tournament as she dreams of Lioness future

A 13 year old footballer from Whitworth has returned from the Barcelona Girls’ Cup in Spain with a standout performance and hopes of one day representing England.
Heritage tramline in Heaton Park could soon be back on track

A major boost from TfGM and VolkerRail has taken the historic Heaton Park Tramway a step nearer to welcoming passengers again after over a year out of service.
Middleton road made safer as new pedestrian crossing opens near primary school

A new pedestrian crossing has opened on one of Middleton’s busiest roads in a major win for safety and local schoolchildren.
Littleborough Brass Band hits the right notes with Whit Friday contest wins

Littleborough Brass Band brought rhythm and revelry to Saddleworth’s streets with a crowd pleasing twist at the 2025 Whit Friday March Contests, bagging a string of fourth section prizes while donning cowboy hats and playing a pop hit.
Grinning Rochdale drug boss jailed after stabbing his own dealer and raking in £370k from cocaine empire

A man who ran a large scale drug operation from his Rochdale home and violently assaulted an associate has been jailed for more than six years
Rochdale in Rainbows returns this Sunday with a Pride Parade and celebration at Town Hall

Rochdale Pride is making a vibrant return this Sunday, 22nd June, with a community celebration and colourful parade.
Superheroes, stormtroopers and sci-fi stars to take over Bury town centre for Comic Con 2025

Comic Con returns to Bury with dinosaurs, dancing stormtroopers and Doctor Who stars in an all day, free family event on Sunday 29 June.