Crews tackle fire that led to huge plumes of smoke

A fiery blaze with orange flames billowing black smoke into the sky over a set of garages at the end of a terraced street.
Image caption,

Smoke from the fire has been seen across south Manchester

  • Published

A fire which led to huge plumes of smoke to billow out across the south of Manchester has been brought under control.

Fire crews have been tackling the blaze at a commercial unit on Hemmons Road in Levenshulme since about 08:00 BST.

Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service has asked nearby residents to keep their windows and doors closed and to avoid the area.

A large cordon has been put in place on the street and on surrounding roads.

Image caption,

People have been told to avoid the area while the fire is brought under control

Greater Manchester Police said several roads had been closed in the area while emergency services were at the scene.

Local residents told BBC Radio Manchester the fire broke out early in the morning in an industrial unit containing garages and a premises making windows.

Image source, GMFRS
Image caption,

Twelve fire engines have been fighting the fire at the scene

Firefighters had to use breathing apparatus to tackle the blaze as well as hose reels, jets, and turntable ladders.

A fire service spokesman has urged people not to fly drones over the incident "as this risks affecting operations at the scene".

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