Fire and rescue services were flooded with more than 100 calls to 999 following the incident close to the Trafford Centre
19:22, 24 Apr 2026Updated 19:25, 24 Apr 2026
Incredible drone footage shows Trafford Park fire
Eyewitnesses have described the moment an inferno gripped a Trafford Park industrial estate, sending plumes of smoke so high into the sky they could be seen as far away as Liverpool and Staffordshire.
Emergency services were scrambled to Broadoak Business Park, on Clarence Avenue, being flooded with more than 100 calls to 999 shortly after 1pm this afternoon (April 24). Twelve fire engines and additional specialist support appliances attended the scene, and crews quickly deployed jets to fight the blaze.
A huge cloud of black smoke could be seen for miles around as flames took hold of part of a factory building on the estate. Early local reports the fire had affected a property owned by the company KLN were incorrect.
The exact source of the incident has not yet been confirmed by Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service. But the Manchester Evening News understands it involved a business linked to the manufacture of rubber.
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(Image: Sean Hansford | Manchester Evening News)
Cadent remain on the scene this evening due to a ruptured gas main. Several hundred people evacuated from neighbouring buildings.
People working nearby as the flames grew described their horror at the size of the fire, with one saying “the flames were so high” adding they “had never seen a fire like it.”
There was fear and confusion among nearby workers and smoke could be seen “everywhere”. One man, who wished to remain anonymous was in a nearby depot when he was alerted to the inferno.
He told the M.E.N.: “Everyone in the factory started saying they could smell smoke and asking what it was.
“Then some drivers who had been past came in and said there was a fire. A load of us came out and you could see the flames above the roof of the KLN building. Even stood on the ground. It was going on a for a long, long time. A good few hours.”
(Image: Jason Roberts /Manchester Evening News)
Firefighters from across the region were called to the area at around 1.25pm. The entrance to Broadoak Industrial Park was taped off with a large emergency services presence remaining in the area for a number of hours.
“I have never seen a fire like it. We heard everyone was getting evacuated on that side.,” the worker continued. “A company we work with, they got evacuated about half two, quarter to three, because it was just spreading.
“The flames were so high. We didn’t know what was going to happen. We have a site full of diesel tanks. It could just go ‘bang’ at any minute. You were on edge.
“We were told we were safe though so just cracked on and did what we were told. We have got customers who haven’t been able to get their vehicles in because the roads are shut off, so that’s work we’ll have to rebook, but that’s a problem for another time. “
Members of the public reported seeing smoke from the fire across Greater Manchester, sending in images from Bolton, the city centre and Stockport. There were reports of clouds being spotted from 40 miles away in Staffordshire.
(Image: Jason Roberts /Manchester Evening News)
As crews battled to bring the incident under control, a hazardous materials team was called to the scene – amid fears there were chemicals and drums containing oil stored nearby.
One eyewitness working nearby reported hearing two loud bangs which alerted them to the incident.
Some truck drivers spoke of how they had been stranded for hours. Steven, 70, had been waiting outside for almost three hours when he went in search of a drink.
“I’m diabetic so I could really do with a drink, but I’ve been told we can’t go in,” he said. “It’s been hours now and we really just need something, we don’t really know what is happening.”
Another HGV driver, who started work at 5am this morning and who has been left stranded by the road closures said: “I saw it coming off the M6 from Stoke. I have been here since 2:45pm. It was really bad then. Really bad. There were enormous plumes of black smoke. The smell was intense.”
(Image: Jason Roberts /Manchester Evening News)
A worker in a neighbouring unit told the M.E.N. he saw the smoke from his office and grew worried for the safety of his dad, who worked closer to the site. He said: “I tried to ring him like 50 times, so did my mum, he wasn’t answering and obviously you’re seeing all the smoke covering the sky. It’s scary. My aunty was phoning me because she saw the smoke on the news and thought it was my office.
“We saw so many ambulances and you just don’t know what’s happening. I’m just glad everyone seems to be okay.”
Another nearby worker said that fire is always a worry for those who work on an industrial estate.
“It was a big fire. There was a lot of black smoke. It was going straight up as well rather than clouding the entire area,” they said. “It’s always a worry on an industrial estate with so many chemicals and stuff.”
The M.E.N. understands fire crews will be remaining at the scene throughout the evening and overnight to monitor and damp down.
A spokesperson for Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service said: “Just after 1.25pm on Friday 24 April, fire crews were called to reports of a large fire at an industrial premises on Clarence Avenue in Trafford Park, involving part of a factory building. North West Fire Control received over 100 999 calls reporting the fire.
“Twelve fire engines and additional specialist support appliances attended the scene, and crews quickly deployed jets to fight the fire. Firefighters are likely to remain on the scene into the evening and overnight to tackle the fire, make the area safe and ensure there is no risk to neighbouring properties, before an investigation commences into the cause.
“Nearby properties are advised to keep their windows and doors shut while the incident remains ongoing. Crews would like to thank residents and neighbours for their cooperation and patience.”