Plumes of smoke billow into sky as huge fire breaks out at mill

Residents living in part of Wigan have been asked to keep their doors and windows closed after a huge blaze broke out at a derelict mill. Crews raced to the mill on Kenyon Road after the fire broke out shortly before 9pm tonight (Friday). Bright orange flames could be seen coming from the building with plumes of thick smoke visible from several miles away.

Firefighters donned breathing apparatus and could be seen using an aerial appliance to douse water on the building from above. Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS) said they had now extinguished the blaze.

However, they remain at the scene ensuring there are no remaining hotspots, and are dealing with the aftermath. Residents in the area have been asked to keep windows and doors closed whilst crews are still at the scene.

A spokesperson for GMFRS said: “At approximately 8.50pm on Friday, April 29, firefighters were called to reports of a fire at a derelict mill on Kenyon Road, in Wigan. Fire engines from Wigan, Hindley and Atherton fire stations, alongside an aerial appliance, quickly attended the scene.

“Firefighters wearing breathing apparatus used hose reels, jets and other specialist equipment to extinguish the fire. Fire crews remain at the scene dampening down any remaining hot spots and are working to make the scene safe.

"Residents in the area are pleased asked to keep their windows and doors shut while firefighters remain in attendance.”

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