Huge fire erupts at Rochdale garage as black smoke seen for miles

Thursday, 7 August 2025 21:03

By David Murphy

Fire crews tackle dramatic blaze on Jermyn Street with residents urged to stay indoors as thick smoke fills sky

Firefighters rushed to the scene of a major blaze in Rochdale this evening after a fire broke out at a commercial garage near the town centre.

Emergency services were called at around 6.15pm on Thursday, 7 August, to Jermyn Street, where a fire involving a vehicle and a shipping container triggered large plumes of black smoke that were visible across the borough.

The flames initially appeared to involve up to six containers, prompting road closures and panic among nearby residents and business owners. Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service later confirmed that the fire was contained to one container and a vehicle, though specialist equipment was needed to bring the situation under control.

Eyewitnesses described a scene of confusion and concern as thick smoke spread through the Milkstone area.

Greater Manchester Police attended to assist with cordons while four fire engines from Rochdale, Littleborough and Heywood stations tackled the flames using hose reels, a 45mm jet, and aerial equipment. A drone was also deployed to assess the situation from above.

Crews were able to extinguish the main fire within hours, but were expected to remain on-site into the evening to dampen hot spots.

The fire service advised people to avoid the area and keep windows closed due to lingering smoke.

Traffic and bus routes were also affected. Both the 456 and 458 bus services were diverted away from Yorkshire Street, instead running via Hamer Lane, Entwistle Road and Water Street.

A spokesperson for GMFRS said: “Crews arrived quickly and used three hose reels, a 45mm jet, a drone and aerial platform ladder to extinguish the fire. Greater Manchester Police are in attendance to assist with road cordons while firefighters remain on the scene to continue damping down the area.”

The affected garage is located between James Street and Flannel Street, just a few hundred metres from Rochdale Fire Station.

No injuries have been reported at this stage.