A major industrial fire in Trafford Park sent a thick column of black smoke across Manchester on Friday afternoon, prompting a large emergency response and warnings for nearby residents to stay indoors with windows and doors closed.
The fire broke out at an industrial premises on Clarence Avenue shortly after 1.25pm BST. Fire crews arrived to find a significant blaze affecting part of a factory building, with early reports suggesting chemicals and oil drums were stored nearby. The presence of potentially hazardous materials meant emergency teams had to manage the incident with extra caution.
Large plumes of smoke could be seen rising above Trafford Park and drifting across Greater Manchester. Images from the area showed a dark smoke column visible from several miles away, including parts of Salford, Manchester city centre, Bolton and Stockport.
Emergency services respond to Trafford Park fire
Fire engines from Stretford, Eccles and Manchester Central were among the first to attend the scene. As the scale of the incident became clearer, additional fire engines, specialist equipment and an aerial appliance were also sent to the industrial park.
Firefighters used jets to attack the flames while police helped secure the surrounding area. North West Ambulance Service and Hazardous Area Response Teams were also involved, reflecting concerns about the type of materials that may have been stored close to the fire.
Greater Manchester Police supported the fire service with road closures and public safety measures. Ashburton Road West, near the Broadoak Industrial Estate, was reportedly closed as emergency crews worked around the scene.
The blaze caused disruption across Trafford Park, one of the region’s busiest industrial and commercial areas. Businesses nearby were affected as emergency vehicles moved into position and police restricted access to roads around the site.
Witnesses working close to the fire described hearing loud bangs before seeing smoke spread across the area. Some people reported a strong smell in the air, while others shared images of the smoke from different parts of Greater Manchester.
Residents told to avoid the area
People living and working near Trafford Park were urged to avoid the area and keep windows and doors shut as a precaution. Thick black smoke from industrial fires can carry soot, fumes and other particles, particularly when plastics, oils, chemicals or warehouse materials are involved.
Anyone with asthma, breathing difficulties or other health conditions was advised to limit exposure to the smoke and follow official safety guidance. Residents were also urged not to travel towards the scene, as emergency services needed clear access to the industrial estate.
For official fire safety updates, residents can follow Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service.
The exact cause of the fire has not yet been confirmed. A full investigation is expected once firefighters have fully extinguished the blaze and the building has been made safe for inspection.
Reports from the scene later suggested the smoke appeared to be easing compared with the height of the blaze, although fire crews remained in attendance. Emergency teams continued to monitor the area due to the possible presence of hazardous materials and the risk of the fire spreading to nearby units.
The Trafford Park fire comes only days after firefighters tackled a separate large blaze at a disused mill in Greater Manchester. While there is no confirmed link between the two incidents, both fires have renewed attention on fire safety risks at industrial and vacant buildings across the region.
Road closures and local disruption may continue while crews make the area safe. Drivers have been advised to avoid Trafford Park where possible and use alternative routes until emergency services confirm that roads have reopened.
The incident quickly became a major local talking point, with searches rising for terms such as “Manchester fire today,” “Trafford Park fire,” “black smoke Manchester” and “roads closed near Trafford Park.” The large smoke plume, combined with the industrial location and reports of chemicals nearby, led many residents across Greater Manchester to seek live updates.
At this stage, there are no confirmed details on injuries. The priority for emergency crews remains controlling the fire, protecting nearby premises, limiting public exposure to smoke and keeping roads clear for emergency access.
Residents should rely on official updates from the fire service, police and local authorities rather than unverified social media posts. Anyone close to the smoke should stay indoors, close windows and doors, and avoid unnecessary travel through Trafford Park until the incident is declared safe.
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