Cause of Etihad Stadium fire ahead of Man City game confirmed as GMFRS issue statement

An investigation has revealed the cause of a fire that ravaged a merchandise stand outside of the Etihad stadium on Wednesday night (January 29).

Jumpers, t-shirts and scarves were set alight shortly before 6pm, as thousands of fans were arriving at the stadium ahead of City's clash with Club Brugge. Within moments, the kiosk erupted into roaring flames and the area was evacuated in chaotic scenes.

Plumes of smoke could be seen for miles billowing over the stadium as emergency services, including police and fire crews, raced to the scene on blue lights.

The blaze quickly engulfed the kiosk, as thousands were guided away by stewards and security staff just as fans were gathering for a presentation of the club's January signings on a stage.

The blaze was eventually dampened, with a number of entrance gates also closing for the evening. Pictures taken in the aftermath revealed how the kiosk had been completely ravaged and scorched by the flames.

Following an investigation, the fire is believed to have been accidental, and caused by an item of clothing which fell onto an electric plug in heater, the Manchester Evening News has learned.

A spokesperson for Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS) said in an updated statement: "At around 6pm on Wednesday 29 January, two fire engines from Blackley and Phillips Park fire stations were called to an incident involving a fire and a merchandise unit at the Etihad Stadium, Rowsley Street.

"Firefighters wearing breathing apparatus arrived quickly and used two hose reels to extinguish the fire which was caused by some clothing accidentally falling onto an electric heater. Crews left the scene after approximately 75 minutes."

On Wednesday evening, a Manchester City statement