Huge cloud of smoke over Wigan caused by burning tyres

A large cloud of smoke could be seen hanging over Wigan on Tuesday morning.
Watch more of our videos on Shots! 
and live on Freeview channel 276
Visit Shots! now

The dark fumes started to appear in the sky at around 10am, and came from the direction of Platt Bridge.

Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS) are currently dealing with the situation and have confirmed the smoke is a result of burning tyres at a traveller site in Bickershaw.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

A spokesperson for GMFRS said: “Five fire engines from Wigan, Atherton, Leigh and Farnworth and a control unit from Rochdale were called to a fire on Bickershaw Lane.

The huge cloud of smoke was caused by burning tyresThe huge cloud of smoke was caused by burning tyres
The huge cloud of smoke was caused by burning tyres

“The fire involves an HGV trailer containing tyres. Firefighters wearing breathing apparatus are using jets to extinguish the fire. The incident has since been scaled down to two pumps and crews remain at the scene dampening down remaining hotspots.

“The incident is causing a lot of smoke and people living locally in the area are please asked to keep their doors and windows shut until the smoke clears.”

Some social media reports also claim there had been explosions in the area.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Onlookers took to social media to share photos of the smoke, which could clearly be seen from Scotsmans Flash.

Smoke was noticed at around 10am this morningSmoke was noticed at around 10am this morning
Smoke was noticed at around 10am this morning

We will continue to provide any further updates throughout the day.

Thanks for reading. If you value what we do and are able to support us, a digital subscription is just £1 for your first month. Try us today by clicking here and viewing our offers.

Related topics: