45 firefighters were called to the warehouse in MiddletonFirefighters tackle storage unit fire on Townley Street(Image: Sean Hansford | Manchester Evening News)

Residents were urged to close windows and doors as a huge fire ripped through a storage unit. Firefighters were called to Storage World in Middleton shortly before 5pm today (Wednesday June 18, 2025).

They used breathing gear to tackle the fire which sent a plume of smoke into the air. There are no reports of any injuries.

Old Hall Street and a number of other nearby roads were closed in Middleton while firefighters tackled the blaze. Police were also called and the area was cordoned off.

At its height some 45 firefighters were at the scene. Many of them went into the building wearing breathing gear where they were trying to put out lithium ion batteries which had caught fire.

Firefighters tackle storage unit fire on Townley Street(Image: Manchester Evening News)

A spokesperson for Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS) said: “At around 4.50pm on Wednesday (June 18) eight fire engines and special appliances from across Greater Manchester were called to a fire involving a storage unit at a commercial property on Old Hall Street, Middleton.

“Firefighters wearing breathing apparatus are using hose reels to tackle the fire and remain in attendance to make the area safe. Road closures are in place and local residents are asked to keep their windows and doors closed due to a large amount of fire being produced.”