A firefighter has been seriously injured after a building collapsed while crews fought a major blaze that officials say was ‘not an accident’.
Nine fire engines and specialist vehicles including aerial appliances and a high-volume pump scrambled to the blaze at the derelict Pioneer Mill in Radcliffe, Greater Manchester at 7.50pm on Saturday.
Part of the building had fallen, injuring the firefighter who was rushed to hospital where they continued to receive treatment.
The blaze has now been extinguished.
Councillor Ken Simpson of Radclifffe East said in a post shared to Facebook: ‘There has been much anecdotal reports of various causes for the fire but it remains under investigation.
‘All I can say from what I have been told by different sources is that this was NOT an accident.
‘Many small businesses now lie in ruins. Livelihoods have been destroyed. I will call on the council to offer as much support as possible.
‘My thoughts and prayers remain with the injured firefighter. I hope his recovery is swift and pain free.’
He added business owners from other parts of the mill will not be given access until the structure has been assessed as safe, which could take up to seven days or longer.
A spokesman for Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service said: ‘Our crews arrived quickly at the scene, supported by additional resources from Lancashire and Cheshire fire and rescue services, and tackled the blaze overnight.
‘The fire has now been extinguished but firefighters remain on the scene dampening down hot spots.
‘In the early stages of the incident, one of our firefighters was seriously injured when part of the building collapsed.
‘They were treated by fire service and North West Ambulance Service colleagues at the scene and subsequently taken to hospital, where they are currently being treated.’
Deputy Chief Fire Officer Carlos Meakin said: ‘I’d like to thank our crews and emergency service colleagues for their professionalism, skill and bravery in responding to this extremely challenging incident, particularly the firefighters who worked through the night to bring the fire under control.
‘All our thoughts and focus are with the firefighter, their family and fellow crew members, and we will continue to provide all the support they need at this difficult time.
‘A full investigation into the incident, undertaken jointly with the Fire Brigade’s Union (FBU), is under way to identify any learning and help ensure all our firefighters are as safe as possible when dealing with the significant risks we face in our roles.
‘This incident highlights the exceptional challenges and dangers firefighters face when working to protect our communities.’
The fire service spokesman said that crews would remain at the site along with Greater Manchester Police, Bury Council and the Environment Agency, to ensure the area was safe.
