A large cordon remains in place this morning
11:04, 25 Apr 2026Updated 16:33, 25 Apr 2026
The investigation and clean-up is continuing today(Image: Gary Oakley)
Firefighters remain on the scene this morning following a huge blaze at a rubber factory in Trafford Park. More than 100 999 calls were made as an enormous plume of smoke billowed over the industrial estate yesterday afternoon (Friday).
Several hundred people were evacuated from nearby businesses while homes were advised to keep windows and doors closed as the fire raged at a unit on the Broadoak Business Park, off Ashburton Road West.
It’s thought the fire began outside, before spreading to an empty single storey industrial building, measuring around 30 by 30 metres. At its height 11 fire engines and more than 50 firefighters were at the scene.
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Late yesterday afternoon, firefighters had to move back as the roof on the badly damaged building collapsed. This morning a large cordon remains in place around the factory and several firefighters remain on the scene.
Speaking yesterday, Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service area manager Karl Gibbons told the Manchester Evening News: “The priorities for us were to contain that scene and make sure people in the surrounding area were kept safe.
Thick smoke could be seen for miles around(Image: Scott Mills )
“The big risk was that it spread to the neighbouring building which is an enormous warehouse containing lots of stock. Crews did a fantastic job trying to contain the fire within the building involved but also prevent the spread.
“We have done a fantastic job stopping it spreading any further and reducing the risk to the wider community as well.”
Firefighters at the scene this morning(Image: Gary Oakley)
In a statement yesterday GMFRS said in a statement: “Firefighters are likely to remain on the scene into the evening and overnight to tackle the fire, make the area safe and ensure there is no risk to neighbouring properties, before an investigation commences into the cause.
“Nearby properties are advised to keep their windows and doors shut while the incident remains ongoing. Crews would like to thank residents and neighbours for their cooperation and patience.”
READ MORE: Trafford Park fire in pictures as huge smoke plume seen across Greater Manchester