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Emergency services are in attendance this evening
Firefighters at the scene(Image: Manchester Evening News)
Updated 22:10, 21 May 2026
A huge broke out in Rochdale this evening, with thick smoke plumes seen for miles.
The blaze erupted at a derelict mill on Ashworth Road, beside Rochdale Old Road in Heywood, at around 5:20pm this evening (Thursday, May 21).
It is said by locals to involve the former Simpson Clough Mill building.
Pictures and videos shared on social media showed the area being covered in smoke.
Firefighters spent several hours battling to bring it under control.
Crews remained at the scene on Thursday night.
A spokesperson for Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS) said: “At 5.20pm on Thursday 21 May, fire crews were called to reports of a fire at a derelict mill on Ashworth Road, Heywood.
“Five fire engines from Bury, Rochdale, Littleborough and Ramsbottom stations, as well as specialist aerial appliances from Salford and Oldham, were quickly mobilised to the incident.
“Firefighters used two jets and a light portable pump to extinguish the fire. Our crews remain at the scene damping down the remaining hot spots.”
21st May22:07 BST
End of live coverage
That concludes our live coverage of this incident.
We will have any further updates on our wesbite tomorrow.
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21st May22:07 BST
Everything you need to know
You can everything we know so far about this incident HERE.
21st May21:25 BST
Crews remain at the scene ‘damping down hot spots’
Firefighters remain at the scene ‘damping down hot spots’, Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service said.
In an updated statement issued in the last few minutes, a spokesperson said:
At 5.20pm on Thursday 21 May, fire crews were called to reports of a fire at a derelict mill on Ashworth Road, Heywood.Five fire engines from Bury, Rochdale, Littleborough and Ramsbottom stations, as well as specialist aerial appliances from Salford and Oldham, were quickly mobilised to the incident.Firefighters used two jets and a light portable pump to extinguish the fire. Our crews remain at the scene damping down the remaining hot spots.”
21st May20:14 BST
Latest images
Crews have also used a turntable ladder in order to get above the burning mill this evening
(Image: Jason Roberts /Manchester Evening News)
21st May19:29 BST
Smoke coming from scorched roof
Smoke can be seen coming from the scorched roof of the derelict building as firefighters fire water down on it from above
(Image: Manchester Evening News)
21st May19:29 BST
Fire crews using aerial platform
Fire crews can be seen using an aerial platform to douse water on the building from above
(Image: Manchester Evening News)
21st May19:28 BST
Firefighters at the scene
We’ve just been sent this picture from our photographer Jason Roberts showing firefighters at the scene this evening
(Image: Manchester Evening News)
21st May19:14 BST
Pictures show smoke billowing from scene
Photos sent into the M.E.N tonight show smoke billowing from the scene of the incident at the derelict mill.
Mill fire at mill on Ashworth Road in Heywood, Rochdale
Heywood Mill fire in Rochdale on Ashworth Road
21st May18:34 BST
Fire at derelict mill
The fire service has issued a statement this evening, confirming the blaze is ongoing at a derelict mill along Ashworth Road.
A spokesperson for Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS) said:
“At 5.20pm on Thursday 21 May, fire crews were called to reports of a fire at a derelict mill on Ashworth Road, Heywood.Five fire engines from Bury, Rochdale, Littleborough and Ramsbottom stations, as well as specialist aerial appliances from Salford and Oldham, were quickly mobilised to the incident.Firefighters remain at the scene and are working hard to extinguish the fire and make the area safe.”
21st May18:24 BST
Map shows location of huge fire
It is thought the blaze has broken out off Rochdale Old Road and Ashworth Road, close to the junction.
A full road closure is currently in place on Ashworth Road, between the B6222 and the bridge over Cheesden Brook.
21st May18:21 BST
Emergency services in attendance
Police and fire crews have been pictured on Rochdale Old Road this evening amid the ongoing blaze.
Smoke can be seen across Rochdale and Bury, with posts being shared across social media.
We are awaiting details from the fire service.
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