Large blaze breaks out at Wigan timber yard

Firefighting at a Wigan timber yard continues this morning with eight fire engines now in attendance.
The fire at the timber yardThe fire at the timber yard
The fire at the timber yard

At least 40 firefighters have been called into action at the Park Lane Industrial Estate, after reports of a blaze came in at 1.26am today (Monday).

Two fire engines from Wigan were joined at the scene just off the A49 Wigan Road by appliances from Leigh and Hindley, plus additional neighbouring fire service support from Warrington and Skelmersdale fire stations.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Crews from Stretford and Agecroft also later raced to the scene to help douse the flames.

Upon arrival crews quickly established that a fire measuring roughly 50mx50m was affecting an outdoor pile of timber on Park Lane Industrial Estate.

Local residents & businesses have been advised to keep windows closed due to the smoke billowing from the scene.

The A49 from the roundabout with Warrington Road to Ashton is now open with temporary traffic lights in place. Public transport has also been affected, and commuters are being advised to check the Transport for Greater Manchester website for full details of diversions.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Highways England had closed the northbound slip road at Junction 25 of the M6 motorway but it has since reopened.

Police and fire crews on scenePolice and fire crews on scene
Police and fire crews on scene

Group Manager Lee Coleman, Incident Commander, said: "The fire itself is contained but still remains 50m by 50m with smoke continuing to spread into the immediate area. I'd ask people living, commuting or working nearby to remain mindful of the dangers of inhaling smoke - please keep windows and doors closed as a precaution.

"Colleagues from Greater Manchester Police are on scene and are arranging a contraflow system on the local road network in an effort to keep Monday morning traffic moving.

"I want to praise firefighters for their continued hard work this morning. The fire is not likely to spread and I am confident it will soon be extinguished."