A college and gym have been evacuated and residents have been warned to close their doors and windows following reports at smoke at an industrial estate containing “hazardous chemicals”. Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service were called to Highfield Industrial Estate, close to Oldham city centre at around 7.40pm on Tuesday (27 June) after reports came in about smoke in one of its units containing “large quantities of hazardous chemicals”. 

Greater Manchester police evacuated Oldham College and a nearby gym, Manchester Evening News reported.

Nearby roads, West End Street and Middleton Road, have been closed because of the incident.

A spokesperson for Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS) said: “At around 7.40pm on Tuesday 27 June, fire crews were called to reports of smoke coming from an industrial unit on Highfield Industrial Estate on West End Street in Oldham.

“Five fire engines from Heywood, Chadderton, Ashton, Bury and Blackley fire stations were quickly mobilised to the scene and crews remain in attendance.

“The building contains large quantities of hazardous chemicals. Firefighters wearing splash suits and breathing apparatus have entered the building and are working to determine the cause of the smoke.

“Oldham College and a gym have been evacuated by Greater Manchester Police as a precaution. A smoke plume is still affecting the area and residents nearby are advised to keep their windows and doors closed.”

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