Fire largely extinguished near hospital in Manchester

On February 23, 2025, a significant fire broke out on an industrial site located on Ennis Close, near Wythenshawe Hospital in Manchester, England. The blaze involved heavy goods vehicles and produced a large plume of black smoke that could be seen from a distance, alarming local residents. Emergency services, particularly the Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service, responded swiftly to tackle the fire, which was described in a social media post as posing a serious threat with potential impacts on air quality due to the smoke. As firefighters battled the flames, they advised nearby residents to keep their windows and doors closed to mitigate the effects of smoke inhalation. The evacuation of surrounding properties was deemed necessary, and a cordon was established to maintain safety in the area. Reports indicated that several small explosions were heard during the fire, which heightened immediate concerns among locals about the risk of the fire spreading. By early afternoon, particularly around 1 PM, fire crews announced that the situation had significantly improved. They indicated that the intensity of the fire had reduced, and the majority of it was largely extinguished, although one area still required ongoing attention from firefighters. As a result, residents who had been evacuated began to return to their homes as safety measures were lifted. The road closure that had been enforced was also revoked, allowing for normal traffic flow to resume. The incident underscored the crucial role of emergency response teams in managing public safety during such crises. It exemplified not only the challenges faced by fire services in dealing with hazardous materials, such as those involved in the fire, but also the importance of timely communication to the public regarding safety measures. Efforts to control and extinguish the fire showcased the dedication of the fire service personnel to safeguarding the community.