Mill building in ruins after massive blaze which seriously injured firefighter

Monday, 29 September 2025 21:00

By Chris Gee

A large part of a mill building in a Greater Manchester town lies in ruins in the wake of a huge fire which left a firefighter with serious injuries.

The firefighter was hurt while responding to a huge blaze at Pioneer Mill in Radcliffe on Saturday night (September 27) when part of the building collapsed.

On Sunday evening (September 28), Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS) said the fire officer remained in hospital for treatment.

A large response was deployed to the site on Milltown Street, with fire crews drafted in from Lancashire and Cheshire to help.

Radcliffe councillor Ken Simpson published pictures of the mill building on Sunday which showed the extent of the damage to the building.

The mill was the base for several commercial firms and he said many small businesses now lie in ruins and ‘livelihoods have been destroyed’.

Coun Simpson said he and Coun Glyn Marsden had visited the area.
He said: “My thoughts and prayers remain with the injured firefighter who remains in a serious but stable condition.

“I hope his recovery is swift and pain free. “Work will begin on Monday morning to make the area safe.

“This will involve demolition crews and structural engineers as well as other agencies. “Due to safety concerns business owners from other parts of the mill will not be given access until the structure has been assessed as safe.

“This could be up to seven days or longer. “Many small businesses now lie in ruins.

“Livelihoods have been destroyed. I will call on the council to offer as much support as possible.”

After the fire was brought under control, police visited homes near the site asking for CCTV of anyone acting suspiciously between 7pm and 8pm on the day of the fire.

It is understood the fire service have not yet been able to access building to commence full investigation due to its dangerous state.

In a statement, GMFRS said: “Shortly after 7.50pm on Saturday, September 27, nine fire engines and various specialist appliances from across Greater Manchester, including aerial appliances and a high volume pump, were called to attend a fire at a commercial building on Milltown Street in Radcliffe.

“Our crews arrived quickly at the scene, supported by additional resources from Lancashire and Cheshire fire and rescue services, and tackled the blaze overnight. The fire has now been extinguished but firefighters remain on the scene dampening down hot spots.

“In the early stages of the incident, one of our firefighters was seriously injured when part of the building collapsed.

“They were treated by fire service and North West Ambulance Service colleagues at the scene and subsequently taken to hospital, where they are currently being treated.

“Our crews will remain at Pioneer Mill today and overnight, working alongside partners, including Greater Manchester Police, Bury Council and the
Environment Agency, to ensure the area is safe.”

Carlos Meakin, deputy chief fire officer at GMFRS, said: “All our thoughts and focus are with the firefighter, their family and fellow crew members, and we will continue to provide all the support they need at this difficult time.

“A full investigation into the incident, undertaken jointly with the Fire Brigade’s Union (FBU), is underway to identify any learning and help ensure all our
firefighters are as safe as possible when dealing with the significant risks we face in our roles.

“This incident highlights the exceptional challenges and dangers firefighters face when working to protect our communities.”