Massive blaze breaks out near Trafford Centre in Manchester as thick plumes of smoke can be seen for miles

Susanna Siddell
Fri, 24 Apr 2026 19:47:27 +0000

A major blaze has erupted at a factory building near the Trafford Centre in Manchester, with thick black smoke visible miles away.

Emergency crews rushed to the industrial unit on Clarence Avenue at approximately 1.25pm earlier today.

The fire broke out in a warehouse close to one of the UK's busiest shopping hubs, with residents filming the massive plumes rising into the sky.

The cause of the incident remains unknown.

Fire, police and ambulance services are currently at the location while crews work to bring the flames under control.

Another eyewitness shared footage of the dramatic scene online, adding that they could hear loud blasts from the direction of the inferno.

Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service have since a warning to residents in the surrounding area.

A spokesman said: "Crews are currently dealing with a fire at an industrial unit in Trafford Park."

He added: "Please keep windows and doors shut if you are in the surrounding area and avoid the location while emergency services work at the scene."

Road closures remain in place around the affected area while emergency services battle the ferocious flames.

A section of Ashburton Road West near Broadoak Industrial Estate has been shut off to traffic, police added.

A spokesman for the force said: "Just after 1.25pm on Friday April 24, fire crews were called to reports of a large fire at an industrial premises on Clarence Avenue in Trafford Park.

LATEST DEVELOPMENTS:

Police investigation launched after man in 70s killed in Manchester house fire

Manchester Airport worker ‘lucky to be alive’ after plunging 35ft out of open plane door

Police swarm Manchester park after man seen wearing 'suicide vest' but reality is not what it seems

“Fire engines from Stretford, Eccles and Manchester Central were among the first to attend the scene, where firefighters found a significant fire involving part of a factory building, with reports that chemicals and oil drums were stored nearby.

“Crews quickly deployed jets to fight the fire, while additional fire engines, specialist equipment and an aerial appliance were also mobilised.

"Firefighters continue to work closely with Greater Manchester Police, North West Ambulance Service, and Hazardous Area Response Teams (HART) to manage the incident safely."

The investigation has been confirmed to be ongoing.

The emergency response from the police has come just one day after the force launched an investigation into a house fire yesterday.

Firefighters were called to Cranwell Drive in the Burnage area of Manchester at 4.40pm.

They were on scene for nearly three hours, Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service said.

A spokesman for Greater Manchester Police said the pensioner in his 70s, who was in the building at the time of the blaze, was pronounced dead at the scene.