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 and 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.

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