Manchester Fire: Blaze At Block Of Flats On Joiner Street, In Northern Quarter

Firefighters tackled a blaze at a block of flats in Manchester city centre which had spread to “multiple floors” on Saturday afternoon.

One person was taken to hospital suffering from smoke inhalation after the fire broke out at about 4pm on the ninth floor of the 12-storey building on Joiner Street in the Northern Quarter.

@MENnewsdesk - fire currently in the apartments next to Afflecks Palace http://pic.twitter.com/UN9yhrlz0t

— f (@gold_freya) December 30, 2017

Twelve fire engines attended the scene as the building was evacuated and residents nearby were advised to keep doors and windows shut. 

Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS) said firefighters were tackling the blaze on a “number of floors” and an aerial unit was also in attendance.

Light building in central MCR https://t.co/f5tcXcUgsphttp://pic.twitter.com/3fLYZQja2v

— Pete Sheppard (@TonePhotog) December 30, 2017

GMFRS said a 23-year-old man suffering from smoke inhalation went to  hospital with a family member after being assessed by paramedics.

The fire began on the ninth floor and affected about four properties.

The fire service said the eighth floor suffered smoke damage due to the heat and floors 10 and 11 were affected externally.

“The fire spread to the other floors via wooden balconies and no cladding was involved,” GMFRS added.

Roads around the area were sealed off by police and a number of buses were diverted. 

Church St & Tib St now CLOSED due to the ongoing serious Apartment block fire on Joiner St in the City Centre. Multiple Fire appliances & Police at the scene. Avoid the area! Lots of smoke and debris @MENnewsdesk@BBCRadioManc@KEY103NEWShttp://pic.twitter.com/biVFh3kviG

— Manc Traffic (@manctraffic) December 30, 2017

Footage shared on social media showed thick, black smoke billowing from the tower.

This one! @mercuremanchest on Piccadilly Gardens is available for anyone seeking some refuge and a warm brew from the affected apartments http://pic.twitter.com/ziFEh8RD74

— Matt Shiells-Jones (@MShiells_Jones) December 30, 2017

Shortly after 6pm the fire service tweeted: “The fire had spread to multiple floors but we have things well under control here.

“Firefighters along with colleagues from the police and ambulance service have done an amazing job to tackle this difficult incident.”

The fire had spread to multiple floors but we have things well under control here. Firefighters along with colleagues from the Police and Ambulance service have done an amazing job to tackle this difficult incident! More updates to follow... http://pic.twitter.com/lgBOPX54Hq

— Manchester Fire (@manchesterfire) December 30, 2017

Manchester Central MP Lucy Powell tweeted: “I have spoken with the Manchester fire service. The #manchesterfire is under control and the building is being safely evacuated.

“Paramedics and others are at the scene to triage all those affected but no serious injuries known. Thank you our brilliant firefighters and paramedics.”

The fire service said in a statement on Saturday evening: “Fire crews remain on the scene to systematically search the building, although we are confident there are no other casualties and the incident is now being scaled down.

“A number of people have been evacuated and temporary accommodation will be set up for those who need it.

“Crews remain on the scene making sure the building and the area are safe.”

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