100 exhausted firefighters tackled Hotspur Press building blaze as GMFRS provide update
Exhausted firefighters, who worked tirelessly overnight containing a huge city centre blaze, remain on the scene this afternoon.
Over 20 fire engines and 100 firefighters descended on Manchester city centre yesterday after a huge fire at the old Hotspur Press printing works on Cambridge Street, broke out at around 5pm.
Thankfully, no-one was injured and those in the building at the time were swiftly evacuated.
A spokesperson said the blaze had spread to three floors of Hotspur House, and aerial units had been used to bring the fire under control.
National Rail said all lines were blocked and warned that services running through the station may be cancelled or delayed until 21:00 BST.
It said rail replacement buses were running for Northern customers from Manchester Oxford Road at 18:20 BST and 18:25, calling at all stops to Warrington Central.
Updating the public today, a spokesperson for Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS) said: “Firefighters have been working hard overnight to extinguish the fire.
“At the height of the blaze, over 20 fire engines, two aerial units and over 100 firefighters were working at the scene in warm and humid conditions.
“The fire spread to several balconies at the two tower blocks at number 1 Cambridge Street, and we took the decision to evacuate all residents.
“Firefighters worked tirelessly to ensure all occupants made it out of the buildings safely and there are no reports of any occupants suffering ill health.”
They added: “Shortly after 9pm, the major incident was lifted. The occupants of one of those blocks have now been able to return home, while the other remains closed as we work with Manchester City Council and the building owner to make the building habitable again.
“Oxford Road station and the railway line have now reopened. Crews are still working on Gloucester St and the main area around the mill, but the main roads of Whitworth St and access off the Mancunian Way have reopened.
“Crews will be joined by specialist fire officers later this morning to begin investigating the cause of the fire, as well as assessing the extent of the structural damage to the building.
“We’d like to thank the public for allowing us to get on with the job last night under very challenging conditions.”
The cause of the blaze has yet to be established.