Radcliffe fire LIVE: Huge plumes of smoke as emergency services descend - updates

Firefighters are tackling a huge blaze at a barn on Ringley Road West in Radcliffe.

Dramatic images from the scene show huge plumes of smoke pouring out from the building's roof into the air. Several fire engines and firefighters can be seen tackling the blaze.

In a statement, Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service said: “At shortly before 2.30pm today (Friday March 15) four fire engines from Wigan, Farnworth and Whitefield fire stations were called to reports of a fire involving a barn off Ringley Road, Radcliffe.

“Firefighters are using three jets, two hose reels, and a handheld jet to extinguish the fire. Crews remain at the scene to make the area safe.”

This is a live blog and we'll be bringing you the latest updates below:

Our live coverage of this event ends here. You can check for more updates on the Manchester Evening News website.

The response is being scaled down, but crews remain at the scene ‘damping down’ areas of the property affected by the blaze, a spokesperson from the GMFRS has told the M.E.N.

The A667 Ringley Road West remains closed in both directions following the ealier fire causing slow traffic in the area.

There is slow traffic on the A667 Ringley Road West which remains blocked this afternoon.

The traffic monitoring site INRIX says:

A667 Ringley Road West in both directions blocked, slow traffic due to building fire between Fold Road and Outwood Road.

Images taken at the scene show fire crews tackling the huge blaze that has ripped through a barn on Ringley Road West in Radcliffe this afternoon.

One side of Ringley Road West where it meets Kersley road junction remains closed following the fire this afternoon

There is slow traffic due to the closure of one side of Ringley Road West