Huge blaze in Salford as enormous smoke cloud seen for miles

Emergency services have been deployed as a huge fire broke out in Salford, putting several buildings at risk.

The fire broke out at a synagogue this evening (January 31), with pictures showing the upper stories of the property ablaze, with an enormous plume of smoke billowing from the property. Early reports indicate there are no major casualties, but emergency services are still on the scene.

Emergency services are at the scene at the Satmar V'Yoel Moshe Orthodox synagogue on Northumberland Street in Salford. In a statement, a spokesperson for Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service told Manchester Evening News: “At around 5pm today (Friday 31 January), six fire engines from Manchester Central, Blackley, Phillips Park, Salford and Broughton fire stations were called to reports of a fire involving a synagogue on Northumberland Street, Salford.

“Firefighters wearing breathing apparatus arrived quickly and are using hose reels to control the fire while Greater Manchester Police cordon the road. Crews remain in attendance."

Synagogue representatives also revealed. the blaze started in offices on the top floor of the building and that they believe it is an electrical fire, but added it was "too early" to be sure. The fire appeared to be out by 7.30pm.

Smoke is said to be visible for miles, but firefighters have now confirmed the blaze has been put out, with no active fire. Now, investigators will enter the building to assess the damage.

Synagogue representatives have told Chris Slater, MEN reporter, that the building is 'very badly' damaged. "There is ‘very bad’ damage to the building I have been told. The third floor appears to be ‘ruined’ the synagogue representatives said, as well as part of the second floor, where there is water damage."

Chris continued: "One of the synagogue representatives, Nachman, told me it was ‘very upsetting’ to see the damage. “Our heart and soul is in that building” he said. “We come here everyday. Everyone is connected to it.” “There is no good time for it to happen but this is a bad time” he added."

The fire service have added that the road remains closed despite the flame being extinguished.