The fire broke out involving a ‘large amount of waste’ in Wigan

22:40, 01 Jul 2025Updated 22:49, 01 Jul 2025

The fire this eveningThe fire this evening(Image: Supplied )

A huge blaze involving ‘illegal waste’ erupted in Wigan on Tuesday night (July 1) as residents were urged to keep their windows and doors closed.

The fire broke out, involving a large amount of waste, along Bolton House Road in the Bickershaw area. Fire crews raced to the scene to tackle the blaze.

The amount of smoke being produced by the fire caused the fire service to urge those living nearby to stay away from the area and close their windows and doors.

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MP for Makerfield Josh Simons issued an ‘furious’ public statement about the fire, which he said involved an ‘illegal waste dump’, as he vowed to get answers for residents.

“I’ve received multiple reports of a serious fire at the illegal waste dump on Bolton House Road. Emergency services are on the scene and the fire is under control. Residents are asked to keep away but there is no immediate risk to life,” he posted.

“I’m furious this has happened. I was due to visit the site THIS Friday, leading a site visit of all the relevant agencies – Environment Agency, Greater Manchester Police, and Wigan Council.

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“I’ve been pushing for action, chairing cross-agency meetings and asking for updates, for MONTHS. I’ve said time and again, this is a risk to residents, to kids round the corner, and flagrant criminal activity cannot be allowed to stand.

“I have called an emergency meeting of all the relevant agencies which I will chair on Friday. I WILL get answers for you. I WILL hold those responsible for clearing up this mess to account.”

A spokesperson for the Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service said: “Firefighters are tackling a fire involving a large amount of waste on Bolton House Road in Bickershaw, Wigan

“Nearby residents are advised to keep their doors and windows closed due to the smoke being produced.”

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