Thick black smoke fills the skies above Oldham after huge fire breaks out at scrapyard
manchestereveningnews.co.ukThick black smoke filled the skies above Oldham this morning after a huge fire broke out at a scrapyard. Smoke could be seen as far as Manchester city centre as firefighters fought to extinguish the blaze on Higginshaw Lane in Royton.
The fire broke out just before 11am. Drivers were turned away from the scene after police put a cordon in place, causing a queue of traffic to build along the road.
Water pumps could be seen within the cordon as fire crews worked to bring the blaze under control. READ MORE: Boy, 17, who died after being found 'screaming for help' in garden named as murder probe launched Nearby business owners were forced to stand by the road blocks letting drivers know they were still open.
When the Higginshaw Lane was eventually reopened just after 2pm, the smell of smoke still clung to the crisp autumn air. The cause of the fire is still not known, although the Manchester Evening News has asked Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service for more information.
Read more on manchestereveningnews.co.uk