Scanner saved as fire spreads

THIRTY firefighters battled a blaze at a Chadderton transport yard which threatened to engulf a multi-million-pound MRI scanner which was being stored in a building on the site.

Emergency crews were forced to take extra care after the fire spread from its original site in the yard to a building, resulting in a propane gas cylinder exploding.

Six fire engines and a number of support vehicles from across Greater Manchester attended the scene at Wolfendale Transport, Cotswold Avenue, on Saturday afternoon.

Firefighters, including a number from Oldham and Chadderton, worked to get the blaze under control as it spread to a single-storey building which housed a HGV lorry.

Drums of fuel oil inside the building ignited with the heat, and one of a number of propane cylinders exploded.

The fire broke out at the family haulage firm around 4pm, and watch commnder Nick Pine, from Chadderton fire station, said: “When we realised cylinders were involved we had to ascertain the type.

“It meant we had to use breathing apparatus and used natural shielding while putting water on to the fire to protect firefighters.”

He added: “The initial fire involved fuel oil and cylinders, but it spread to a building where an MRI scanner worth about £5 million was being stored.

“We were able to move it to safety, and the actions of our firefighters stopped the fire spreading to surrounding buildings.”

Damage was confined to section of the yard and parts of the single-storey building.

The cause of the fire is under investigation.