Emergency services responded to a significant blaze at a derelict building on Milltown Street in Radcliffe on Tuesday night, April 21, around 7:15 pm. Large plumes of smoke were visible for miles across the area, and drone footage captured the moment flames ripped through the structure. An eyewitness reported hearing a "really large explosion" as the fire took hold.

The Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS) swiftly deployed eight fire engines and three specialist appliances from various locations across Greater Manchester to tackle the inferno. Crews arrived quickly and utilized jets and turntable ladders, drawing water from the nearby River Irwell to help extinguish the blaze. In addition to firefighters, police and paramedics also attended the scene, leading to an extended cordon as a precautionary measure.

Residents in the vicinity were strongly advised to avoid the area and keep their windows and doors closed due to the smoke. Locals suggested that the crews were working at Pioneers Mill, located at the bottom of Milltown Street.

This incident marks a concerning trend, as it is the second fire in as many years on Milltown Street. Last year, emergency services were called to a blaze at a derelict mill in the area in September. Furthermore, in 2022, the same street was the site of another massive fire that consumed a plastic storage unit. Greater Manchester Police have been approached for comment regarding the latest incident.