Cars set alight at mill

Reporter: Rosalyn Roden
Date published: 04 November 2016


A FIRE in Hathershaw saw several cars and tons of rubbish set alight this morning.

Firefighters attended the blaze at Maple Mill, Cardwell Street, at around 5.30am. Crews were expected to remain at the site for the rest of the day.

Residents close to the site heard an explosion and loud bangs as sparks and flames rose beside the old mill.

Hollinwood watch manager Tony Morgan said: "It was mostly contained to a central area.

"Several cars were on fire and the flames had spread to tons of waste next to the vehicles.

"We sent three pumps, one from Hollinwood and two from Oldham, and 12 firefighters to the scene."

Large plumes of smoke were seen by neighbours including resident Frank Stewart (66).

Mr Stewart said: "I heard bangs at 5am. Firefighters came round and warned us to shut our doors and windows because of the toxic fumes.

Cars

"It is a health hazard to people living nearby. This is the sixth fire here in about five weeks.

"There have been fires in the mill and this is the second involving these cars in the last fortnight.

"Something needs to be done. I looked over the wall and saw flames and lots of smoke rising.

"I wish I had never bought this house ­- I stand no chance of selling it."

A MAN was rescued from a block of flats in Werneth after a fire this morning.

Firefighters were called to Norfolk Street at around 1.20am to reports of a person trapped due to a fire at the bin storage area at the front of the building.

An investigation is under way.